Lately I have had this running joke with people that I am a sorry buisnessman. They ask how so, knowing me and knowing that hard core work and the white collar job have never really been in my life. I go into an explanation showing the metaphor between friends and investments and how like an investment, if a friendship succeeds or fails you gain ten fold or loose your life savings. I say I am a sorry Investor because I have bad habits, one in particular. I have a tendency to place all my hopes, my trust, my love in a small concentrated group of people. This method has limited success UNTIL (dramatic music) you and one of your close friends have a falling out. Unlike someone who gives a little to alot, I give alot to a little and when a person is removed from the scenario, the damage is staggering. Over the past few weeks I have had some friendship problems on the bestfriend level, and It has killed me on the inside. Being on bad terms with the one person you feel like you can share/do anything with is like fighting with yourself. It's hurt me to the point where I have reconsidered my friendship startegy, my method of "investing", and I have thought about he alternative, investing a little in a lot.
After I did some reading I realized, that is not what I am supposed to do. Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. He wants me to invest as much as I do In one person in EVERYONE. He wants me to give EVERYONE my undivided attention, my love, my kindness, my everything. As followers of Christ we should strive to be the ultimate investors. As followers of Christ we should model our investments after the one who invested EVERYTHING and recieved NOTHING. We should give relentlessly, give everything we are to everyone. As Christians we need to make the investment.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Give Thanks
We celebrate a holiday dedicated to gratitude. Today I scrolled through my news feed on facebook and gawked at the unending line of "I'm thankful for...." statuses. Beyond the superficial words posted on a website, was there any true appreciation given. Did you say I love you to someone you would other wise refrain from telling, did you tell your parents thank you for everything they do, did you sit outside and admire the beauty of creation and think of how LUCKY WE are to live in such a beautiful creation. I didn't. I was too caught up in what this holiday has become. I was too busy stuffing my face, when thousands of children are starving. I was too busy lounging on a couch while millions are homeless. Now, with less than 5 hours remaining in this holiday I am trying to make amends, I'm giving to those who are less fortuneate and i'm telling all those I see how close to my heart they really are.
EVEN IF we did spend all day in reflection on how lucky we are and how grateful we should be, this day still would not be what it should. Thanksgiving should be like communion, a day to remeber and reafirm what we believe in. We should use this day to REFRESH our gratitude. We should give thanks EVERY DAY, today shouldnt be a step out of the ordinary. I challenge you, as I am cahllenging myself to continue giving thanks, our scenario doesnt change day by day, and neither should our gratitude.
EVEN IF we did spend all day in reflection on how lucky we are and how grateful we should be, this day still would not be what it should. Thanksgiving should be like communion, a day to remeber and reafirm what we believe in. We should use this day to REFRESH our gratitude. We should give thanks EVERY DAY, today shouldnt be a step out of the ordinary. I challenge you, as I am cahllenging myself to continue giving thanks, our scenario doesnt change day by day, and neither should our gratitude.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The logical thing is to let go of logic
I find myself in a time of my life where I question my own reasoning. I frequently yield to logic, even when my heart protests, because in my mind logic will not fail you when your heart will. You can always explain a situation,decision,action logically but is every instance a logical one? Are there not times when your heart speaks truer than your mind? Where does logic play a role in love, whatever kind of love it may be. How can your mind tell you not to pursue that girl who has given you butterflies since you met her, how can your mind explain the miracles in your life if God is not a probable explanation due to insignificant evidence, or how can your mind justify the passions that well inside of you at the slightest provocation? It is simple, it cant. For too long I have yielded to logic in matters where my heart should dominate, because in these matters it is your heart that will suffer if you make the wrong decision. Right now I am holding on dearly to something that my mind has deemed too costly but my heart has deemed it necessary. What am I going to do? I know it may be the biggest cliche in the book but I am going to follow my heart. Cliches wouldnt be so common if they didnt hold truth. If you get the chance to let go, let go of your mind and live through your heart. Not all the time, but enough time to really enjoy the pieces of this earth that deserve passion.
What a Quote
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
- Anne Frank
- Anne Frank
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
More than one kind of mountain.
I titled this blog Mons Viator (mountain traveler) because of the unusually high amount of time I was planning on spending in the mountains this past summer. From Tekoa to Mount Rogers to Smith Mountain Lake... I traveled some mountains, let me tell ya. Sitting at home now, well into fall, I have encountered a wonderful double meaning to the term "Mons Viator". Although I am not physically at the summit of some peak or in the shaded valley of Sam's Knob I still am surrounded by mountains. Decisions that loom above me, choices that require sacrifice, goals that demand time; they are all mountains of a sort. Everyone has mountians, everyone is a "mons viator".
My point to this rambling is that we all have mountains, and at some point in time they are going to be intimidating. We will stand in that valley and look at the overpowering issue before us and want to give up, but we CAN'T. From all of my experience hiking I have come to realize that the view from the top of the mountain is always worth the work it takes to get to the top. God didnt create the panoramic views for us to idle blindly in the valley, nor did he give us the ability to achieve great things just to watch us waste away. Whatever your mountain is, face it. You won't regret it.
My point to this rambling is that we all have mountains, and at some point in time they are going to be intimidating. We will stand in that valley and look at the overpowering issue before us and want to give up, but we CAN'T. From all of my experience hiking I have come to realize that the view from the top of the mountain is always worth the work it takes to get to the top. God didnt create the panoramic views for us to idle blindly in the valley, nor did he give us the ability to achieve great things just to watch us waste away. Whatever your mountain is, face it. You won't regret it.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Garden Guy
The wonderful Alex Devoid left Tekoa 2 weeks ago for mission work training and camp was left with out a Garden Guy. A few phone calls later and a little begging with my parents and I am back at Tekoa.
It's crazy, almost every group scheduled for garden time, which has me stoked beyond reason. But hey, it is something to be excited about:) Some days there are large blocks of time that I dont have a group which allows me to go hang out with other c\groups and spend time with all the campers and I love it.
Coming back to camp this week has been a different experience than my 4 weeks as a CIT. Its got its pros and cons, for one i feel like an individual and like I've got my own niche now, a specialty of sorts. I do miss my CITs though and Aaron not being here kind of leaves a hole. When it's all acounted for though it's safe to say that this is my best week here so far:) I have had wonderful oppurtunitites to get to know all the staff better and i think im making more friendships that will last longer than my stay here at camp.
When the groups come down for garden they can usually find me flipping the compost pile or sitting in my old wooden chair between the sunflowers. After a nice greeting (ususally in a british accent that i maintian through their visit) we walk up to the rainy day shelter where they grab a recycled soda can and scrap it on the concrete until WUH-LAH they have a pot to plant a seed :) We then walk back down to the garden, fill their pots with dirt, add a little seed and water and write their initials on the bottom. After that we amble over to the compost pile, go over some fun facts and i let them flip the compost if they want to. Then they play a game identifying garden plants which tends to be a very humbling experience for them, i offer them raw greenbeans to taste, and finally we head up to the grove for a devotion. I must say I have been overwhelmed by the campers enthusiasim. Taking the position i conditioned myself to be prepared for moans of dissent and looks of boredom but the kids have wowed me, they are eager to plant greenbeans, they know more plants than i would have credited them and seem to be pretty active at home as far as gardening and recycling goes. Maybe to old ways arent lost after all !
Finally, I need to say that camp has some new staff since i left. Actually they are the new CIT's and before i came back up I felt a little replaced, even before meeting them. I SHOULDVE NEVER FELT THAT WAY...COLBY,EMMA, MORGAN, HALEY and WIL are amazing! They are so good with the kids and great people in general, I just regret that i havent had more time to spend with them. I know they are going to do great and with such a promising staff I believe Tekoa is only going to grow over the next few years. Well thats all I have to say,
Love, Chastan
It's crazy, almost every group scheduled for garden time, which has me stoked beyond reason. But hey, it is something to be excited about:) Some days there are large blocks of time that I dont have a group which allows me to go hang out with other c\groups and spend time with all the campers and I love it.
Coming back to camp this week has been a different experience than my 4 weeks as a CIT. Its got its pros and cons, for one i feel like an individual and like I've got my own niche now, a specialty of sorts. I do miss my CITs though and Aaron not being here kind of leaves a hole. When it's all acounted for though it's safe to say that this is my best week here so far:) I have had wonderful oppurtunitites to get to know all the staff better and i think im making more friendships that will last longer than my stay here at camp.
When the groups come down for garden they can usually find me flipping the compost pile or sitting in my old wooden chair between the sunflowers. After a nice greeting (ususally in a british accent that i maintian through their visit) we walk up to the rainy day shelter where they grab a recycled soda can and scrap it on the concrete until WUH-LAH they have a pot to plant a seed :) We then walk back down to the garden, fill their pots with dirt, add a little seed and water and write their initials on the bottom. After that we amble over to the compost pile, go over some fun facts and i let them flip the compost if they want to. Then they play a game identifying garden plants which tends to be a very humbling experience for them, i offer them raw greenbeans to taste, and finally we head up to the grove for a devotion. I must say I have been overwhelmed by the campers enthusiasim. Taking the position i conditioned myself to be prepared for moans of dissent and looks of boredom but the kids have wowed me, they are eager to plant greenbeans, they know more plants than i would have credited them and seem to be pretty active at home as far as gardening and recycling goes. Maybe to old ways arent lost after all !
Finally, I need to say that camp has some new staff since i left. Actually they are the new CIT's and before i came back up I felt a little replaced, even before meeting them. I SHOULDVE NEVER FELT THAT WAY...COLBY,EMMA, MORGAN, HALEY and WIL are amazing! They are so good with the kids and great people in general, I just regret that i havent had more time to spend with them. I know they are going to do great and with such a promising staff I believe Tekoa is only going to grow over the next few years. Well thats all I have to say,
Love, Chastan
Sunday, July 24, 2011
WILDERNESS TRAAAAAIIIILLLLLLLL
Just got home from yet another MOUNTAIN TRAVEL today because after all, i am a MONS VIATOR(MOUNTAIN TRAVELER) hahah but anyways
A few months ago me and the Family decided we wanted to backpack and coincidentally carrie's father was pushing for a backpacking trip with her youth group through a methodist organization called Wilderness Trail. last week end his idea materialized as we drove up 421 headed for Damascus, Virginia.
The mount Rogers area is spectacular, full of picturesque views of rolling ridges, grassy highlands and wild ponies:) When we reached the property we met our group leaders, who were both phenomenal leaders. Throughout the day we bonded on the Group Building Course and held conversation sitting in the front porch rockers. Worship followed a hot meal, we sandg songs of priase that i was unfamiliar with....but within seconds i was flapping my arms like a fool and singing at the top of my lungs because i realized, " this is God we are singing about, who cares if i stumble, as long as im singing loud fromt he bottom of my heart :) " The next day was prep time for the hike, we assembled our pack and tents ( i used a hammock, SCORE) and that night walked up the HILL to the outdoor chapel. Now this chapel was a place that carrie had spoken of with wonderful praise and to be honest i thought she must be exagerating. As we topped the hill and rounded the trees i just stopped in my tracks and gasped. Infront of me stood a towering cross, and whitetop mountain stood as a glorious backdrop, splashed by the fading rays of the setting sun. We held worship and communion and in the end were at the verge of tears, the glory of God was around us and most importantly in us.
Tuesday morning we woke to a cacaphony of noise, grabbed and packs and headed out. We started hiking on the iron mountian trail, once a part of the AT, it was removed due to lack of scenery and rightly so. Before lunch we pickeup two odd hitch hikers.... 2 dogs, waldo and wolfgang. After anear fight to the death several hours later, we let them go their own way, glad to be rid of their bipolar behavior. haha That afternoon we stumbled across some treasure ina mountain meadow...surrounding a spring were the biggest blackberry vines ive ever seen. Naturally I grabbed my owl and filled 'er up.
Wednesday we continued on the iron mountain and found ourselves climbing a series of ridge tops. After lunch we descended into a nice valley, filled with laurel, and followed a creek. (crossed it 11 times) at the mouth of the valley we intercepted the A. T. and continued to follow it to our campsite, pirates paradise. The campsite butted up to the virginina creeper multiuse trail and was a gorgeous place. Across the VCT was a big creek and our guide James led us to the swimming hole, fully equipped with a 15 foot jumping rock.( the highlight of the trip)
Thursday was tough.... we hiked up the backside of straigh mountain( i assume it's name comes from the fact that when you hike up it you are litterally going STRAIGHT up) 17 switchbacks later we made it to the top, excited to see some glorious views. NOPE, just TREES. After eating lunch in a swamp we descended straigh mountain and found our campsite ironically sitting next to the VCT, (probably an easy walk from the campsite from the nightbefore) We had a made a giant Horse shoe over mountains down them, for nada.
Friday i wake in my hammock, and look up at the splendid blue ske, spotted with nice puffy white clouds. It was a GREAT day to hike. All week me and carrie had been bummed about the lack of views and carrie just wanted to see rocck strewn fields in particular. The night before, our junior staff let it slip that we were headed to whitetop in the morning and we were all pumped, we were finally getting what we had been waiting for. Five hours later we were almost on whitetop, that is, with our packs on the ground, sopping wet as lightning crackled through the ir so close that the thunder almost preceded the flash. After an hour of that mass, it finally let up, with our moods diminsihed we made the final bound to buzzard rock. As i walked out of the shelter of the trees my spirits soared, i walke din awe as i saw 7 states unfold around me. I quickly sped past my fellow hikers and ascended buzzard rock. It was surreal, i felt like i was standing on the threshold of heaven and hell. To my left, the grayson highlands were dark and foreboding as arcs of pink lighting pounded the ridgetops relentlessly, and to my right, blue sky was revealed and the suns golden rays illuminated the receeding thunderheads. The peaks floated on a sea of low hanging clouds that drifted in their laurel valleys. It was magnificent. That night's campsite was subpar and the cold set in to our soaked skin. Overall it wasnt a pleasent eavening, although the mmood was lightened by the promise of dry clothess.
Saturday came with the encouragement of comfort waiting for us at the lodge. Once our final 2 mile hike was completed we loaded the van and headed back to the property. Our day of rest ended with another trip to the chapel where tears glistended on our cheeks like the stras of the sky. Praise God.
Sunday morning we left bright and early and now, this evening i sit here at home with my family, who i have dearly missed, already recounting the tales of the past week.
A few months ago me and the Family decided we wanted to backpack and coincidentally carrie's father was pushing for a backpacking trip with her youth group through a methodist organization called Wilderness Trail. last week end his idea materialized as we drove up 421 headed for Damascus, Virginia.
The mount Rogers area is spectacular, full of picturesque views of rolling ridges, grassy highlands and wild ponies:) When we reached the property we met our group leaders, who were both phenomenal leaders. Throughout the day we bonded on the Group Building Course and held conversation sitting in the front porch rockers. Worship followed a hot meal, we sandg songs of priase that i was unfamiliar with....but within seconds i was flapping my arms like a fool and singing at the top of my lungs because i realized, " this is God we are singing about, who cares if i stumble, as long as im singing loud fromt he bottom of my heart :) " The next day was prep time for the hike, we assembled our pack and tents ( i used a hammock, SCORE) and that night walked up the HILL to the outdoor chapel. Now this chapel was a place that carrie had spoken of with wonderful praise and to be honest i thought she must be exagerating. As we topped the hill and rounded the trees i just stopped in my tracks and gasped. Infront of me stood a towering cross, and whitetop mountain stood as a glorious backdrop, splashed by the fading rays of the setting sun. We held worship and communion and in the end were at the verge of tears, the glory of God was around us and most importantly in us.
Tuesday morning we woke to a cacaphony of noise, grabbed and packs and headed out. We started hiking on the iron mountian trail, once a part of the AT, it was removed due to lack of scenery and rightly so. Before lunch we pickeup two odd hitch hikers.... 2 dogs, waldo and wolfgang. After anear fight to the death several hours later, we let them go their own way, glad to be rid of their bipolar behavior. haha That afternoon we stumbled across some treasure ina mountain meadow...surrounding a spring were the biggest blackberry vines ive ever seen. Naturally I grabbed my owl and filled 'er up.
Wednesday we continued on the iron mountain and found ourselves climbing a series of ridge tops. After lunch we descended into a nice valley, filled with laurel, and followed a creek. (crossed it 11 times) at the mouth of the valley we intercepted the A. T. and continued to follow it to our campsite, pirates paradise. The campsite butted up to the virginina creeper multiuse trail and was a gorgeous place. Across the VCT was a big creek and our guide James led us to the swimming hole, fully equipped with a 15 foot jumping rock.( the highlight of the trip)
Thursday was tough.... we hiked up the backside of straigh mountain( i assume it's name comes from the fact that when you hike up it you are litterally going STRAIGHT up) 17 switchbacks later we made it to the top, excited to see some glorious views. NOPE, just TREES. After eating lunch in a swamp we descended straigh mountain and found our campsite ironically sitting next to the VCT, (probably an easy walk from the campsite from the nightbefore) We had a made a giant Horse shoe over mountains down them, for nada.
Friday i wake in my hammock, and look up at the splendid blue ske, spotted with nice puffy white clouds. It was a GREAT day to hike. All week me and carrie had been bummed about the lack of views and carrie just wanted to see rocck strewn fields in particular. The night before, our junior staff let it slip that we were headed to whitetop in the morning and we were all pumped, we were finally getting what we had been waiting for. Five hours later we were almost on whitetop, that is, with our packs on the ground, sopping wet as lightning crackled through the ir so close that the thunder almost preceded the flash. After an hour of that mass, it finally let up, with our moods diminsihed we made the final bound to buzzard rock. As i walked out of the shelter of the trees my spirits soared, i walke din awe as i saw 7 states unfold around me. I quickly sped past my fellow hikers and ascended buzzard rock. It was surreal, i felt like i was standing on the threshold of heaven and hell. To my left, the grayson highlands were dark and foreboding as arcs of pink lighting pounded the ridgetops relentlessly, and to my right, blue sky was revealed and the suns golden rays illuminated the receeding thunderheads. The peaks floated on a sea of low hanging clouds that drifted in their laurel valleys. It was magnificent. That night's campsite was subpar and the cold set in to our soaked skin. Overall it wasnt a pleasent eavening, although the mmood was lightened by the promise of dry clothess.
Saturday came with the encouragement of comfort waiting for us at the lodge. Once our final 2 mile hike was completed we loaded the van and headed back to the property. Our day of rest ended with another trip to the chapel where tears glistended on our cheeks like the stras of the sky. Praise God.
Sunday morning we left bright and early and now, this evening i sit here at home with my family, who i have dearly missed, already recounting the tales of the past week.
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