The Journey

Stop and Enjoy It

 

So I was sitting here trying to think what to write for the 599th post of my blog lifetime, and didn't really have anything to say.  Imagine that.  Here I am with nothing to say! I know it doesn't happen very often, but Geez...I can't be an author an have nothing to say.  

Then I walked down the hall.

The cool thing about working in our ministry is, there are real people doing the real work behind the scenes.  Real people are here pounding away at the summer camping business.  

They have real jobs. 
They have real lives. 
They have real pains. 
They're just Great REAL people.

So, I'm walking down the hall, talking about Christmas, when the topic of "So, how's your family" comes up.  I stopped, sighed, and then just answered honestly, 'It just seems like theres ALWAYS something."  

"You know, so and so slapped so and so. 
Then so and so wants something from the other one. 
Then, it's time to eat, time to do homework, time to sleep. 
Can you ever manage this thing called family?" 

Then my buddy says, "I think there comes a time where you just stop waiting for something to come down the pike, and just stop to enjoy each moment."

WOW!

Ever so true today for me. 

Stop waiting for something to happen, and enjoy the moment. 

Enjoy each phase. 
Enjoy each nuance. 
Enjoy each smile, each fight, each laugh, each hug. 

Ok, I'm gonna stop being sappy, and just enjoy the now!

The Monday Morning Laugh-A-Thon

Ok...I was cruising around the news today, and found a religious article about the signs Christians use to attract people to the church.  So, I thought I'd just post a bit, and you tell me what you think. We'll try and rate each one, and then leave the discussion for the readers.  I'd love to get your take on these. 

This one was found around my neck of the woods. Right outside Lampe Missouri, someone decided this NEON JESUS would bring people like flies to the Zapper.  (RATING:  Three Bibles)

I don't know where this one came from, but You can rest assured, it was in a community that loves them some huntin'.  We love the idea of reading the Bible, but the gun reference might not be exactly what Jesus had in mind.  (RATING: Two Bibles.)

This one kind of scared me.  Maybe I go to church after reading, but maybe I wreck the car as I drive by because I'm looking out the review mirror at the Devil running down the road after me? I love the idea we go to church for fellowship, but do we really need to be scared into going? (RATING:  1 BIBLE)

FUNNY!!  Not E-Mail.  KNEE MAIL!!  HA!  This one gets the Laughter of the day.  This is AWESOME!!  OH, you decide.  (RATING: ??)

For you Rednecks.  Well...Here's a bit of the Larry version of Church.  I can just hear him pulling up to the mic saying "GIT R DONE...."  HA!!!  (RATING:  3 Bibles for the references to Larry.)

Um?  I don't get it.  But I'm sure I'm not going to let Satan be the King of my heart. 

So, what do you think?  As I drive the country, I see these things all the time.  Sometimes I drive by, and sometimes I stop and pray.  Sometimes I laugh, and sometimes I just shake my head and wonder, "Did someone really spend time thinking that up?" 

I guess the real question of the day is, When did the church think it necessary to advertise for people to come?  Why do we have to have the wittiest sign in town to attract people, or get people talking?  Isn't the gospel enough? 

I'm not advocating we don't have a good laugh.  (if that's what these are intended for)  So if it's one big joke, let's keep on thinking up witty slogans.  But if we're really trying to simplify the gospel into a wise crack, is there something to that?

I don't know.

What I do know is, I'm laughing at some of these today.  Some out of the fact they just make me laugh, and some out of .....WHEW!

Which one do you like?

I just got this from a K-Co Kamper. Thought you might get a better picture of what we do.

This is one of our K-Colorado Kampers from 2008.  Thought you guys might enjoy reading what she was writing. 

and this is what i was writing......
there is this place on this earth called kanakuk colorado and there is no other place like it. it is the only place on earth where you have the chance to meet such amazing people. its th only place where you can truely be yourself. and where you can learn and grow in only a short amount of time its the one place where being original helps you to fit in. you have to chance to become friends with the coolest people ever and to grow bonds like you never knew you could have, its where you meet friends you will keep for the rest of your life and where you can first truely learn and understand what it means to love someone, its the place you go to just let yourself go, to be vulnerable and yet still be accepted. its the place you go to get help and to help others as well. where god speaks to you through others lips and where you can see him no matter where you are. its where everyone is on there best behavior and the men treat the girls like .........goddesses its where life is as it should be... its the place where you can dance with your friends get the worst sunburn of your life fall in rocks, wipe out on a wakeboard maybe break a bone and still have the best time of your life... its where you learn how to shred the gnar and meet the people you will never let go of for the rest of your life......its where i met my three best friends that i will always love....forever... its kanakuk colorado!

It's a breath of fresh air, when you see teenagers that are catching the vision. 

Hope you can join us in 2009.  It's going to be a WILD RIDE!!

Sometimes I Feel Helpless

(http://www.bbc.com)

Sometimes when I watch Global events, I feel helpless, almost like I can't do anything to help those who suffer.  It's quite an impotent feeling when you watch the new reporters continue to reveal the tanks, missiles, planes, and death happening on both sides of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. 

(http://www.bbc.com)

I know there are two sides to every story, and so today I'm compelled to call on us here at andybraner.com to pray for those involved. 

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:43-48)

May we pray today for our fellow brothers and sisters involved in another violent rebellion. 
May the innocent be shown mercy.
May the leaders have wisdom and insight to stop it.
May we find the courage to pray for those we don't understand, and truly find what it means to be "the sons of our Father in heaven."

As if You Needed Another Reminder

A Special Adoption Christmas Present

For those of us in the adoption world, nothing can be more fun than seeing another successful come to an end.  The harsh reality of orphans in the world growing up alone, coupled with families in the world with the room to welcome in a new member is never more present than today. 

The U.N. estimates there are over 150 million orphans in the world. 

150 Million!!

150 million kids wonder whether anyone loves them.
150 million kids are on their own to learn life.
150 million kids will often go to bed wondering if they will eat tomorrow.
150 million kids will start at the bottom of the social ladder and have to find the courage somewhere to survive.
150 million...that's just unacceptable!

A few years ago, I was traveling with a friend up in New England.  He took me to MIT, Boston University, Harvard, and Tufts to see the state of the Union of some of the greatest schools in America. 

Along the way, I met Steve Nelson.  This guy is the real deal.  He loves students, loves academics, but most of all is trying to live life like God called him to live.  I didn't know all about his adoption journey at the time, but through a strange series of events, we ended up sitting next to each other on my journey home from Boston, and learned a lot about it. 

He sent me this article today.  I thought you might want to see what happens when a family listens to God's heart.

We Need Your Help

Ok guys, I don't ask this often, but I want you to take a special look at a friend of mine.  He's a tremendous asset to our place out in Colorado, and He's in a contest that will get him to NYC.  So, if you have a free second, go on this site and vote for him.  Check this out.  Talent At WORK!!

Vote for me in this contest!

Submit entry

Contest details

Cuba, a national product of a belief system

I recently met up with a good friend who was born in Cuba, and he's been taking me to school concerning implications of a revolution almost 50 years ago. 

Fidel Castro came into power half a century ago, and some of the people who live in Cuba today don't know any other face of their countries leadership.  It's quite amazing. 

My friend tells me of today's Cuba, "It's like walking back into the 1950's, as if time just stopped."  he claims.

"Why do you think Cuba has been isolated from the progress of the rest of the world?"

"Andy, Raul Castro just allowed cell phones in the country last year.  What do you think?"

It's quite amazing to think about.  A whole nation, under the rule of a dictator.  It's like here you have one of the beautiful islands in the world; and time just stopped!

I know this blog isn't about the geo-political issues around the globe, but I think it's interesting that the religious belief system, steeped in atheism, has bound a whole nation to one leader, and a system that allows for it's own resources...the only source of innovation and all in a world more connected than any other time in history. 

On my daily news cruise I saw the BBC reporting the last 50 years of Castro reign as basically an oppression.  Workers make $25 a day, vehicles are all the 1950's Chevy look, and the buildings are in a radical state of decay.  Why?

It would seem that a nation with so much to offer the world, would be able to harness the resources of the country so it would be a paradise destination for vacationers. 

It would seem a nation with so much affinity for sugar cane and coffee would have the corner on the market for exporting to the U.S. and Mexico. 

But something's not right.

I wonder if the belief system the Castros have bought into has anything to do with the "struggling" they have to continue work through.  (a direct quote from Raul Castro)

I wonder if the removal of any source of morality, and the freedom accompanied with the system accompanying the God's story of the Universe has anything to do with a country that's Frozen in time?

I don't know.  I was just thinking this morning that as more people buy into the belief system of freedom and reconciliation, forgiveness and grace; the more progressive a country becomes. 

They have the ability to look each other in the eye and give the benefit of the doubt. 
They strive to uphold core values of life and property. 
They see a bigger picture of the world, and it seems like those nations that start out focusing on God's system, seem to do better. 

Just a thought. 

What do you think?

On a day of dreams...may I offer a bit of satisfaction

Welcome to 2009! You made it!  After all the parties, the family reunions, and the vacations from work, you made it to the first day of a new year!  Welcome.

Over the last few days we've heard talk of dreams and resolutions for the New Year.  It seems every year, we are more and more hungry for the New Year to bring ultimate satisfaction in our work, in our appearance, or maybe in our spiritual lives; but the fact remains...

Resolutions dissolve
Empty promises fade away
Unless we are disciplined...it will be a hard road to conjure up the staying power to keep it going.

Jesus talked about this kind of self-preservation.

It was John 6 when the five thousand people were sitting up on the mountain listening to His teaching.  They were hungry, and Jesus recognized the physical need.  Remember....
It was the five loaves and two fishes the little boy brought to the disciples, and Jesus turned it into enough food for all to be full with a large leftover pile.

Then He said something very interesting..."I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." (v.35)

I don't think Jesus meant that all our physical needs for food will disappear.  In fact He makes illusions to the manna God supplied to Moses and the different kind of bread He offered here in this situation. 

I think Jesus was saying, your hunger and thirst for the things of this world will keep coming like your hunger for physical things comes when its time to eat.  He's saying ultimate satisfaction can only come through following Him. 

I'm convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, New Year's resolutions may fill your spiritual belly for a moment, but it's not until you find the staying power of Jesus that your soul will ultimately be filled. 

Make this year one of satisfaction. 
Don't bow to the temporal things of the world.
Go Find the bread that will fill you, forever. 

Tip-Toeing Into 2009

As 2008 comes to a close, many people find themselves tip toeing into uncertainty in 2009.  The top stories of the year included political fraud, economic disaster, violence around the globe, and an overall cloud of criticism.  Let's just say for most, 2008 wasn't exactly what they thought it was going to be last year at this time. 

You know, no matter how bad 2008 was, the greatest part of a New Year's celebration is the idea of the "do-over." 

I Remember back when we used to play whiffle ball in the back yard?  We took the plastic baseball and the long skinny yellow bat to re-create baseball games we watched on television.  We had the whole neighborhood in the line up, and I can remember some epic world series battles right there at the end of the col de sac.

One of the rules of whiffle ball was, if you had a bad play, you had 2 chances per game to call "do-over."  A Do Over was just what it sounds like.  If a player yielded the famous phrase, the whole team had to go back to where they were before the play began, and they just started over again. 

It was almost as if you could literally turn back the clock of time and do the exact play over again hopeful for a better result.  So if you hit the ball foul, missed a crucial catch in the outfield, pitched a ball where the batter cranked a home run, no worries, everyone had the chance of the "do-over."

Well, let's look into the long sad face of 2008, and just call out loud together "do-over." 

2009 is on the way, and even though there are some things that can't be done over again, we have the opportunity to "do over" our attitudes toward life. 

In fact, Jamie and I started last night.  We just sat at dinner talking about dreams, and what we want to accomplish before our lives are over.  We started the crucial step of "forgetting what is behind, and moving on to what is ahead." 

Won't you join us?

I tell you what...in an all out effort to begin the movement here on this blog.  Let's start by just leaving a few dreams right here for all to see.  So, if you feel so compelled, just click on the comment section down there below, and let's keep a blogroll of ideas for dreams in this new year.  What is your "do over" gonna look like?