My name is Chris Sklar and I am extremely excited as God has put my trip to Kenya in my heart. Let me start by saying that this is a blog and we have been asked to post our feelings leading up to and on our trip. As all reality TV shows now state "These are only my feelings and do not constitute the struggles or feelings of others at Cumberland or also attending this trip." Now that is out of the way...
I was discussing the excitement of this trip with my wife, and talked about the sickness and poverty of those we are going to visit. The fact that most of these families have so very little but I am excited to talk with those who know the Lord and also excited to share God's word with those that will listen. Through all of my excitement I reached a chilling realization within myself. Why is it that I am so eager to serve in Kenya when we have similar opportunities to share God's word in North America, the US, Georgia and even down to Smyrna? Why have I never made it a priority to share the word with the sick and poverty stricken people in my area?
I will admit that I do not have the answers but I do feel God's plan at work within me. The best way for me to describe this plan would be to think about how you would deal with a young child. There are situations that you bring up, such as the old favorite "If they jumped off of a bridge would you?" In my opinion, this is put in place for one purpose. Realization! This is meant for you to realize that you thinking that you have to follow suit is silly and not as viable as you once thought. Well this trip to Kenya has done something very similar. So to all of you who take the time to read this I ask you..."Will you jump off the bridge with me?" Every year CCC discusses the Kenya trip details and the excitement is spread throughout the walls of the church. People have the desire to go, but do not have the time or financial capabilities to commit. It is to those people I ask to just look at this as God has done for me. Why not here? Why not now?
-Chris S.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
What are your FIVE?
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
I am inspired by this verse so much. For years, I have been caught in a whirlwind of “keeping up with the Joneses” and being “out”. I am evolving. My so-called friends are not. Now I find that I am becoming quite picky about the company that I keep. So much so, that I find myself sitting at home, alone, most nights of the week.
During a recent conversation with my father, I discovered the reason for my reclusiveness mostly stems from a lack of intellectual conversations. Because I am changing, I am starting to recognize how different I am from my “friends”. I have been choosing to stay home, mostly, because I am tired of having superficial, surface-level discussions about nails, clothes, and men, (whom are less than desirable anti-monogamous types, anyway.)
Now I understand these types of conversations are normal for most women, and I am sure I will again have another conversation as such. However, I find that I have been surrounding myself with these self-absorbed types who actually do not even know how to talk about anything other than things pertaining to shallow topics and money, most of them equating worth with a monetary definition.
I long for more mental stimulation. I desire to be challenged in thought. I want to be left wondering.
While we were talking, my father asked me, “If you could talk about any five subjects, what would they be?"
I had just had a conversation with Noemy about looking internally to answer some questions about myself. Quickly, I thought of four subjects: God, Music/Arts, Animals/Dogs, and Travel. After each topic, we talked a little bit about why they were interesting topics for me. I struggled to find a fifth subject. This sparked an internal struggle. I really must not know who I am if I cannot think of five things that I like to talk about.
With all this said, I am on a self-discovery quest to find the fifth subject. I have bought two self-help books to read before our trip to Kenya about discovering who you are. I have started therapy to peel away some layers so I can see what is really inside me. I have also purchased two journals, in which I plan to write in while we are in Kenya.
I am going to find that fifth subject. Kenya will help me find it.
Do you know who you are? Our team is setting off to Kenya in less than four weeks; I am challenging everyone to answer this question: What five subjects do you like to talk about? Tell us all, if you are comfortable.
Cheers,
Ashley S.
Romans 12:2 NIV
I am inspired by this verse so much. For years, I have been caught in a whirlwind of “keeping up with the Joneses” and being “out”. I am evolving. My so-called friends are not. Now I find that I am becoming quite picky about the company that I keep. So much so, that I find myself sitting at home, alone, most nights of the week.
During a recent conversation with my father, I discovered the reason for my reclusiveness mostly stems from a lack of intellectual conversations. Because I am changing, I am starting to recognize how different I am from my “friends”. I have been choosing to stay home, mostly, because I am tired of having superficial, surface-level discussions about nails, clothes, and men, (whom are less than desirable anti-monogamous types, anyway.)
Now I understand these types of conversations are normal for most women, and I am sure I will again have another conversation as such. However, I find that I have been surrounding myself with these self-absorbed types who actually do not even know how to talk about anything other than things pertaining to shallow topics and money, most of them equating worth with a monetary definition.
I long for more mental stimulation. I desire to be challenged in thought. I want to be left wondering.
While we were talking, my father asked me, “If you could talk about any five subjects, what would they be?"
I had just had a conversation with Noemy about looking internally to answer some questions about myself. Quickly, I thought of four subjects: God, Music/Arts, Animals/Dogs, and Travel. After each topic, we talked a little bit about why they were interesting topics for me. I struggled to find a fifth subject. This sparked an internal struggle. I really must not know who I am if I cannot think of five things that I like to talk about.
With all this said, I am on a self-discovery quest to find the fifth subject. I have bought two self-help books to read before our trip to Kenya about discovering who you are. I have started therapy to peel away some layers so I can see what is really inside me. I have also purchased two journals, in which I plan to write in while we are in Kenya.
I am going to find that fifth subject. Kenya will help me find it.
Do you know who you are? Our team is setting off to Kenya in less than four weeks; I am challenging everyone to answer this question: What five subjects do you like to talk about? Tell us all, if you are comfortable.
Cheers,
Ashley S.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Only He knows.
I've been meditating a lot. Most people that know me, typically see the outgoing, happy, smiling woman. But there have been some events that have occurred in my life recently that have changed my perspective and my outlook. This happens to me every season. And now I am locked inside my head at the moment. Before, I would make myself crazy, analyzing and trying to see what I did wrong to make a situation happen. But now Christ is in me. I am talking to Him now. And every time I speak to Him, He listens, and He talks back.
That's why I am a Christian. The relationship. The dialogue. And I never have to worry about how my hair looks, or if I have a manicure, or even if I say the right things. He knows me. He knows my intentions. He knows parts of me that I don't even know, parts that he is slowly allowing me to decipher.
I am praying for Him to give me the courage to speak out my joy for our relationship. I am still timid and treading in shallow waters with speaking out. Give me a voice, Jesus.
Today I am inspired by Psalm 42:6-11 (NIV)
Eternally grateful for the gift God has given me,
Ashley
That's why I am a Christian. The relationship. The dialogue. And I never have to worry about how my hair looks, or if I have a manicure, or even if I say the right things. He knows me. He knows my intentions. He knows parts of me that I don't even know, parts that he is slowly allowing me to decipher.
I am praying for Him to give me the courage to speak out my joy for our relationship. I am still timid and treading in shallow waters with speaking out. Give me a voice, Jesus.
Today I am inspired by Psalm 42:6-11 (NIV)
6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Ashley
Sunday, September 25, 2011
We Are One
Something special has happened.
Earlier this afternoon, over a dozen individuals gathered in the Loft at Cumberland Community Church. We came as athletes, pastors, children, teens, painters, singers, musicians, doctors, business professionals, and most importantly, as believers.
But we changed today. We have taken our spiritual gifts and become one. We are no longer individuals. We have become one heart and mind. We will serve as a team. As disciples of God, we are brothers and sisters, and that is the model we will present to the people we serve. As God's hands and feet, we are Kenya bound. The date: November 17, 2011.
To learn more about how you can help us in our mission, please contact the Kenya Mission Trip Team Leader, Rob Irvine.
Stay tuned to our blog for updates from each team member.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you!
-Ashley Serrano
John 17
Earlier this afternoon, over a dozen individuals gathered in the Loft at Cumberland Community Church. We came as athletes, pastors, children, teens, painters, singers, musicians, doctors, business professionals, and most importantly, as believers.
But we changed today. We have taken our spiritual gifts and become one. We are no longer individuals. We have become one heart and mind. We will serve as a team. As disciples of God, we are brothers and sisters, and that is the model we will present to the people we serve. As God's hands and feet, we are Kenya bound. The date: November 17, 2011.
To learn more about how you can help us in our mission, please contact the Kenya Mission Trip Team Leader, Rob Irvine.
Stay tuned to our blog for updates from each team member.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you!
-Ashley Serrano
John 17
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