JC's Expository

2009-06-30T09:46:00.001-07:00

takes back what he said. They have a flickr app!! Whoohooo!!

2009-06-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

is wishing ping had a flickr application....

What's happening now in the life of JC?

2009-06-29T10:17:00.001-07:00

Some of you know that I took my dad's pickup truck to Eugene a few weeks ago to get my stuff. I was considering just going for a couple days, loading up and then heading back, but after thinking about it, I decided that I needed to say a good goodbye to Eugene. Thus I ended up staying for 9 days. I'm really glad I did, because I was able to say goodbye and hang out with some really good friends.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see some of you and know that I wish I had been able to meet and talk with you. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and I do care about you.

When I got back to Butte by way of Vancouver (Thanks to Josh and Brittany for letting me stay the night at their place!), I started getting settled in. I'm staying in the basement of my Grandma's with my parents and they were kind enough to transfer the office to the other room by their room. That gives me some privacy and a room to myself. Now, not all my stuff will fit, but as I sold most of my furniture, giving the rest to my brother, and keeping only a few things, I don't have to deal with furniture. I'm using a desk that my parents have and got some shelves put up for about half my books. Once I had my books out I felt like I was settled in.

So what's happening now is that I'm looking for a job and helping out around the house. Butte is similar to the rest of the country in that it's fairly devoid of jobs, but I know there's one out there that God has for me. This, of course, is the tough part of my following God and going on the road trip. Now the real test of faith comes through.

What about the church, you ask. I'm glad you asked, even though I don't know who you are...

Living Water Fellowship is now incorporated and an actual entity. God had given Dad the go ahead to do that this spring and we're now official in the eyes of God and the government. Heh. Dad put together a barebone website at www.livingwater4butte.org that has a good description of what this church is about and our vision for Butte.

By me following God and joining Dad and Mom here in Butte, it has started an awakening in Dad and my hearts for this city. We really want to see the strongholds come down here and see the people come to the freedom of Christ. This town is full of hurt and greed and needs the reality and love of Christ to revitalize each and every person here.

Our needs right now are people to join our plant. We need a team before we can really get going. That's the biggest prayer request we have right now. If, by chance you are hearing from God and want to join us, talk to me and I'll get you hooked up with Pastor John (yes, my father and it's really weird referring to him that way). Also, please spread the word and tell anyone and everyone that could be interested in praying for us and in possibly joining us. Again, the website is www.livingwater4butte.org and you'll find a larger list of prayer needs there.

I love you all and pray that God's blessings will flow upon you and that you will follow Him into every nook and cranny he leads you to!!!

2009-06-18T10:47:00.001-07:00

unpacking and getting settled. Interesting how much stuff I still have...

2009-06-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

I have my own bed!! So happy!

2009-06-16T20:35:00.001-07:00

I have made it to butte! Now to sleep and then unload my stuff tomorrow.

2009-06-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

spokane!

2009-06-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

on the road to butte!!

2009-06-15T20:49:00.001-07:00

is enjoying hanging at Josh and Brit's

2009-06-15T08:07:00.001-07:00

today is my last day in Eugene! I'll miss this crazy town and the people here, but I am definitely looking forward to this next adventure!

2009-06-13T08:18:00.001-07:00

busy day.. help jack, load stuff from david's apt, go to lcc grad, go to sharis to hang out with friends.

2009-06-12T13:46:00.001-07:00

sitting at skinner butte park for a couple hours. anyone available to hang out?

2009-06-05T17:51:00.001-07:00

so on this trip I am driving my dad's truck, which actually has a radio. in listening to various stations I found Adventures in Odyessy! Oh the memories!

The last part of the journey

2009-06-04T12:30:00.001-07:00

I made it to St. Louis area where Ryan and Kristine live with their 18mo son, David. I was looking forward to spending time with them and doing some regrouping and prayer.

Some of you know I have had a pull towards church planting and after I felt the release from Eugene, I was trying to decide what to do. This road trip was in part, a way to learn what God wanted. I had a couple choices: Some really good friends of mine are planting a church in WA and my dad is planting a church in Butte, Montana. I really wasn't sure about either one and did a lot of thinking and praying about what God wanted. Guess what, He showed me that it was an either/or situation. I could get involved in WA and He would bless it, or I could join my father in Butte, and He'd bless it. I really love it when God gives us those choices to make.

One thing I learned in this journey is to have confidence in what God is showing me and to not be afraid to step forward.

Thus, while at Ryan and Kristine's I made the decision to move to Butte and to help plant in this troubled town. After a good four days with them (at leaset I thought it was four), I felt like the road trip was basically over and I needed to get to Butte and do some serious talking with my parents.

It took two and a half days to make it to Butte, but I did it! Definitely tired of driving by the end of it.

So that's basically the end of the road trip. I really wanted to go further east and visit a lot of friends, but that wasn't the purpose of the trip and God wouldn't let me. I don't know when I'll be able to do this again, but I definitely need to visit the east coast and all my friends out there.

Now the tough part of my journey begins: Saying goodbye to Eugene where I truly put down roots and made lifelong friends; moving all my stuff into one room at my parents; and finding a job in a place where there really aren't a lot of jobs to be found; and living without close friends around to start off with.

So, I would ask you, my friends, to keep me in your prayers. Call me every so often (means a lot to me if someone calls me, and I don't have to call them). And know you're welcome to come to Butte to visit!

2009-06-04T11:56:00.001-07:00

I'll be in Eugene from the 6th through the 14th. I have a few plans but not too many. Hit me up so that I can say goodbye to Eugene!

2009-06-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

woke up this morning and decided I wasn't feeling well enough to drive a 14hr drive. Taking it easy today. Pray for health 'cause I'd like to get my stuff by the end of the week.

Update

2009-06-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

Let's see... The last I really updated was when I was in Colorado right

after experiencing the Red Mesa Revival....

From there I went to Four Corners and stood in four different states. It

was a good place and I got to take some interesting pictures. From there I

headed into Colorado and made it to Cortez. I stopped at a visitor's center

and had a couple of interesting conversations as I ate my pb and j

breakfast. I headed out of town and noticed a church by the highway.

This was a non-denominational church with an impressive, canvas

stretched sanctuary. I ended up talking to a contractor there who told me

all about the construction and about the church. Very interesting and

something I may look into for the future. The pastor spoke on family and

family roles and doing things as a family. It was good and definitely

practical. I could tell this guy likes to give out things that you can get your

fingers on.

From there I just started driving and eventually ended up staying in a

campsite by tiny Lake Capote (so small it's not on the road map). That

was a very relaxing campsite without anyone around.

I headed out from there to make my way northeast. The scenery of

southwest Colorado is amazing and I definitely have some new images to

go with the word Majestic! My intention was to try to get to Cripple Creek

and Colorado Springs, but by the time I reached Canon City I was

exhausted and grabbed a motel.

The next morning I went back to Royal Gorge, but it was built up and most

definitely a tourist trap. After refusing to pay the 24 dollars entrance fee, I

went to the viewpoint and got a view of the bridge. Kinda would have liked

to go on the bridge, but that wasn't practical.

I went to a Rock Shop (yes, the geology kind) and browsed for a bit. I

was going to then return to my idea of heading to Cripple Creek, but I just

didn't feel like that was the direction God wanted me to go. I sat and

prayed about it and since the only leading I got was to go to Kansas City

and the International House Of Prayer, that's what I did. Took me a day

and a half on mostly back highways.

I hung out a bit at the City Market there in Kansas City. I was struck by how many ethnic stores were there. Was I just blind to it in Eugene??

Then I leisurely made my way to the IHOP. Kansas City is big, but quite interesting and I rather liked it.

The IHOP is a place dedicated to prayer and worship 24/7. They have pretty much an entire strip mall with the chapel, coffee, bookstore, and, get this, a reality. I went in and immediately felt peace and power. They have it structured where each worship team plays for two hours and then they switch without interrupting the flow. The Presence of the Lord was there and I did a lot of soaking and worship. Six hours actually. Very, very, very refreshing and good for me to refocus.

While there I managed to get ahold of my friend Brian Rach. We went out and got chinese and had a really good discussion. It was good to reconnect.

Then I felt like I was released from staying in KC and was allowed to get on the Interstate and head to my friends in St. Louis.

And with that I have to go. Limited time online.

So without elaboration: I'm moving to Butte and am leaving Butte in the morning to go to Eugene and get my stuff.

I'll try to tell more later.

2009-05-28T15:23:00.001-07:00

I think my mom is clairvoiant. I drove up, parked in the driveway and was just getting out of the car when my mother comes from the basement!! esp I tell you! ESP!

2009-05-28T11:35:00.001-07:00

in montana and enjoying the big sky!

2009-05-27T21:40:00.001-07:00

just tired and looking forward to seeing my parents tomorrow

2009-05-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

think my future wife is lost. Someone give her a map and compass!

2009-05-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

iowa! anyone want to buy a boy band?

2009-05-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

iowa! anyone want to buy a boy band?

2009-05-26T11:56:00.001-07:00

iowa! anyone want to buy a boy band?

2009-05-25T16:42:00.001-07:00

just took ryan and kristine to a pizza buffet. buffalo wing sauce pizza! happy birthday Ryan!