Mikes Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

God bless our troops abroad! And May God bless you. Hopefully you'll make time today to reflect on all that He has given and blessed you with in this life!I'm blown away when I reflect on all the God has blessed me with. PTL!! Tomorrow is tree day. The Christmas lights are going up all around us. Exciting!

Snowboarding the Arabian Desert

2009-11-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

These kids can sing in German!

2009-10-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

haircut--Korean style

2009-09-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Got my haircut today at E-village. Hannah, my favorite Korean Barber was there. She cut my hair last time. Some people angle for the same barber every time. I don't. I just show up and let the first lady cut my hair who is available. It really doesn't matter to me. I don't place too much stock in making my hair nice. So this was rare day for me. Hannah, twice in a row. She actually remembered how she had cut my hair the last time: number 1 on the side, and number 4 on top (I'm refering to the sizes of those razor grill thingies). Amazing she remembered. Maybe she's one of a number of barbers in the area with a photographic memory? anyway, she did a decent job. She's a very sweet lady. The one thing she did that MUST be Korean is that she gave my eyebrows a trim. Yes, that's right! She trimmed my eyebrows. Now, I have pretty thick brows. She was kind enough to explain to me that the eyebrow shave was for free and included in the price. It felt really weird. Kinda tickled. That was a first for me. I'm not sure how I would have felt if she wanted to charge for that. Hmmm, probably wouldn't have paid for that. As I left I wondered if I'd try to get her next time. I do tend to go to the same place just cuz its close to home and I always get a coupon (which I just end up giving back as a tip anyway). Nah, probably not. I like her, but hair just doesn't matter that much to me. Seems like anyone can do my hair....yes, and probably anyone could trim my eyebrows too.

Titaya's--Best Thai Food in Austin...and cheap!!

2009-09-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. I've been setting up appointments with students, tracking with our Friendship Families (who thankfully are making some great connections with their international students), and getting prepared for the big trip next week. So, what better way to conclude the week than with a trip to Titaya's with a few international students. Paran, a student from Thailand's Chaing Mai province introduced me to the place. It is simply the best Thai food I've ever had. What's amazing is that a lunch there will only set you back $7. They have the best Mango and sticky rice i've ever had. My friend Kevin, who works with me here at UT teared up after tasting it during his first visit. Looks like we'll have a group there. It should be good times. Titaya's, if you're in Austin is just south of 2222 on Lamar next to the Half-Priced Books. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. It's a great way to experience Thailand.

Arabic

2009-09-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Assalamu Alekum, Keif Halek??

I've been cramming as much arabic lately into my head as I can. I'll soon be leaving for the Middle East and I want to know as much as possible. Arabic is the fifth language I've studied and it is certainly true what they say that the more languages you can speak the easier it gets. For this trip i'm focusing mostly on about 30-40 of the most needed phrases and will memorize a few paragraphs that describe who I am and where I'm from. For some reason I just can't fathom going to a place and not making an effort at the language. You don't have to achieve fluency, but you should at least try to say something. Even if you learn a few phrases, it speaks volumes to people about your interest and intentions in their homeland. It is the best way to say, "I respect your way of life!" It's because you've made a premeditated effort and they know it. With that, "Ma'asalama, Enshufuk alaxher!!" (by the way, the arabic word above means GRACE.)

Funny Conversation with Madison

2009-09-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Madison has been so excited about school. Recently while doing homework with her she stated, "I can count really good. I can even count to the very last number."
Me: "Really? And which number is that?"
Madison: "Two billion and 52."
Me: "Madison, do you know that there actually isn't a last number? They go on forever."
Madison: "Really?" She smiled and then I realized I would then have a chance to explain the concept of infinity to a 5 year old. Not easy...well, not even possible. I should have just stuck with two Billion and 52. Most numbers above that amount aren't used much anyway. Nobody really has two billion and 52 of anything, except when you're talking about the US Budget deficit for something.

thad's visit

2009-09-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Recently a good friend came to visit from CO. We were so glad to see him but check out what happened to him while he stayed at our house. this is awful!

http://www.justathad.blogspot.com/

you'll have to scroll down a couple entries to see it.

cheers

My Thoughts on the Global Economic Crisis

2009-03-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

If ever there was a time to reflect on where your true wealth really is, its now. I'm reminded of Matthew 6:19 in which Jesus commanded his followers to "store up treasures for yourselves in heaven..." Interesting that he commands us to store treasures in the first place. Jesus isn't against storing up treasures, its just that most of us miss the point in regard to which kind of treasures he's talking about. We are to store up treasures in heaven, he says. Those kinds of treasures are solid. They don't experience boom and bust cycles. They don't artificially inflate or deflate based upon inconsistencies in the market. They are rock solid for eternity. They consist of every step of faith we take in this life, every act of service to another person in the name of Christ. These are the sorts of treasured investments that will build up into an eternal wealth that will be enjoyed in heaven for all eternity. The degree to which we invest there will affect the quality of our experience in heaven. I think the Bible justifies that. That's not to say some will be miserable in heaven, no way! That's not possible. So let's invest where it counts. Of course its important to save for tomorrow, invest and so forth. But aren't you thankful that our life is not in stocks, but in Christ alone!! PTL.

Leadership is Influence not Position

2009-01-09T20:54:00.001-08:00

I was looking at some thoughts lately from Maxwell on leadership. They are helpful meditations: Here are a few of them:

Leadership is Influence, nothing more, nothing less.

I've been asked often to take a "leadership" roles in my organization and I always felt a little funny about that. I always felt that leadership is something one either has or has not. It isn't a role, a position, or a job. Rather it's your ability to influence people. There are many out there with titles, but a title doesn't make a man or woman a leader. Maxwell reminds us that in volunteer organizations, Positional leadership doesn't work. In a volunteer organization, influence is leadership regardless of whether that is coming from someone with a title, or someone without it.

VISION 08 Washington D.C.

2009-01-02T17:09:00.001-08:00

850 international students attended the Vision 08 Conference this year. They represented 50 different nations. This was the most fun I've had at a conference in a long time! WOW! Aside from doing some teaching, one of my roles was to help coordinate the transportation of 1,000 people into D.C. and back over 3 consecutive days. I had a blast working with my cohorts Jerry and Jeremiah. We rented 20 buses to pull this off. What a fun experience. The highlight of course was seeing God impact the lives of these students. Aside from that, it was great to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and check out the International Spy Museum. PTL!!

Getting Out

2008-11-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

We've really had a great fall taking international students out into the outdoors. They are so curious and exciting to explore all the Hill Country has to offer-which is a lot more than I had expected. Coming from Montana and growing up skiing and hiking around the northwest I didn't expect much from Texas. BUT, I have been very pleasantly surprised. I just love how the outdoors provide such great opportunities to talk with students about real life and spirituality.

Updated Family Pic

2008-09-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

here is what our family looks like now. This was taken yesterday in our backyard. It amazes me that there are now five of us. We are having so much fun. Our kids are growing through so many fun phases. Brennan does the spider crawl and casts webs on passers-by that he sees, and Madison is all into her new friends at preschool.

Baby Macy is HERE!!

2008-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

AFter 38 weeks of waiting, she is finally here!!! We are so excited. Maddie and Boo are really enjoying her as well. Maddie started preschool last week so there are lots of changes and events (Hurricane IKE for one) around here.

I'm running for president of the United States

2008-09-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you've heard, but I've decided to go for it. I will run for the presidency in 2008. I hope I have your support. Check out the mania that is surrounding me right now below...

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=4d696b657c4b72696567

you may need to copy the above link and paste it into your browser...once elected, I'll have a secretary...of course, who can help me with my blog. I hope by then to make more frequent entries.

A Great Church in Germany

2008-07-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

If you ever find yourself in Datteln, Germany. you must attend Wendepunkt!!! Stefan Arhelger is the head pastor and a dear friend of mine. Years ago he was trading Japanese futures contracts in the stockmarket in Frankfurt and God called him to go to seminary. Stefan went to Spain on an internship with TEAM international. This is where we met. We were teammates. Together we went through the villages of southern Spain preaching the gospel with a man called Leif Erickson. yeah, seriously. That was his real name. It was an amazing summer and one that radically changed my life. Over the years Stefan and I managed to get back together in Spain, Germany, Prague, Russia, and the U.S. It's amazing how much our lives have changed over the years. Here is a link to Stefan's church.. go check it out!!.

www.wendepunkt-datteln.de

God has used him in great ways. Who knows, maybe one day you'll get a chance to meet him.

Busy Few Days

2008-07-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's so beautiful right now in Austin. Man I just love this town! We have a busy weekend ahead of us. The Annual Krieg Family Reunion is going down in Taylor, Texas on sunday. Watch out Taylor, here come boat loads of Kriegers!!! Then we're having 3 Iraqi students over for dinner. In the meantime I'm trying to figure out how we burned through almost 30,000 gallons of water in June. I'm nervous we might have a water leak.

Iraqi Student Leaders Visit UT

2008-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

The UT is one of a few schools selected to host up and coming student leaders from Iraq. There will be 16 visitors here from July 10 through August 14th. We have made the request to be a host family during the time and have yet to here back. They will be immersed in programs studying public policy, political science and government among other things. Kristen and I are so excited to see if we can host a student. We'll let you know!

Lindsay Brown on reaching students

2008-06-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Brown, Director of IFES gives a fresh perspective on the strategic value of reaching students. I love what he says here about reaching men and women in their 20's at the end of the piece. It's exciting to think about a 20 year old being reached and giving 50 years of leadership to their church in their home country. Multiply that over and you have GLOBAL IMPACT!!!

Ah yes, its the small victories that count!!!

2008-06-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

I replaced a sprinkler head successfully today. I feel a deep sense of pride. I know, it seems like a small thing, but not for me, and not today! But really, i was nervous going into that challenge....wondering if I would wimp out and have to call on a pro. I simply had no idea how to do it. I never did it before. But I put my game face on and went after it with tenacity! Kristen was right there the whole time so I was able to demonstrate my skill to another person! I was also happy about getting a chance to use my folding "UTE TRAIL" knife. Thomas Ufer would be proud of me. Why do such things make us feel so good. These little victories in life can feel so great!

More importantly, God is really blessing us right now in this neighborhood. It's amazing. In a short period of time we've met about 6 houses of people around us, with kids and without. None know Christ as far as we can tell. God has given us a great group of people to get to know. Totally Cool! Just today we met a couple who live 4 houses up from us and the wife, Yulia is from Moscow, went to Moscow State University (the Harvard of Russia). We spoke Russian right here in our neighborhood park. Amazing how God works and orchestrates events in our lives!!

Our Aim in Austin

2008-06-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago here in Austin I was sitting across the table from a multimillionare who made most of his money in commercial real estate. He said something that really stuck with me. "People shouldn't be looking for a job, or a role to fill when they think about their vocational choices, instead, they should look for an opportunity. Mike, look for an opportunity!" And this is exactly what we've found here in Austin-An opportunity. Let me explain: 5000 international students study at the University of Texas. These men and women who are the future leaders of their countries. Some will stay here in the U.S., but most will return to their countries to lead in the area of business, education, and government. Many of them are also from countries that westerners have extremely restricted access to. Iran would be a good example of this. We have about 60 Iranian students here at UT. They are all here for a short period of time. Then they will return to their countries. What will be their message when they go back? Who will influence them while they are here? What could be the potential impact of one leader sent back to Iran, Oman, or Saudi Arabia who will live out the rest of his days for Jesus Christ? Sound like an opportunity? I think so!!

Fred Peirce is the man!!!

2008-06-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Great job Fred! You are truly a man i can aspire to emulate. When others had their doubts, you persevered! What a feat! Awesome!!!

For those who want to know what I'm talking about. Check this out!!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5845157.html

The Nomads Find a Home

2008-06-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two years since the Krieg family returned from Russia, and only now are we putting stakes into the ground and calling one place home for awhile. That place is Austin, Texas! I was born here in 1972 but grew up in Montana. Kristen, being from Houston is so happy about being close to family and friends. I also have family down here. It's sooo nice to know that we can unpack for awhile. We'll be working with international students at the University of Texas. I'm not sure what to do with my blog. I may put this thing out of its misery. if anyone has any objections, by all means please let me know, but I think Kristen is doing a spectacular job keeping you all informed about our family on KRIEGSKIDDOS.BLOGSPOT.Com...

Ok, gotta go read stories to the little ones...

At home in TEJAS!!

2008-04-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

WE arrived in Texas about a week ago. Kristen and the kids flew to Houston, while Charlie and I drove the minivan down. It was probably the best road trip I've ever had. (Although, it can't rival the danger of the Samara-Moscow road trip of summer of 2004). We saw some spectacular sights along the way: Mt Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, California wine country, the Pacific ocean from Carlsbad, CA., and the harsh landscape from central California through El Paso. Wow! All very exotic and beautiful. It was also great to see family in Fullerton, CA. Van Horn, Texas was a treat as well. Interesting to note that along I-10 through Texas they are stopping traffic and doing vehicle searches for illegal immigrants...Portland felt like a long ways away from the views of Ciudad Juarez from I-10 through El Paso. Great time with the bro! Now we are in Texas. Feels good to be home with family, to have the sun everyday, and the prospect of exciting times of ministry ahead...

Rain Vent

2008-04-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, so tired of the rain. Rain, rain, rain. Everything is wet. So so tired of the grey, cold, wet, rain. Wet streets, grey skies...UGH!!! Sometime soon I'm going to read about how the rain affects people here in Portland. On balance, it can't be good. There is probably some scientific data or a study somewhere that shows some ill affects. There are nice people in Portland. There are good people too. (btw, I don't think the two are necessarily the same...do you?) So, the effect of months of rain isn't something that JUMPS OUT at a person. I think its definitely a negative influence on the culture, just in a subtle kind of way. People do seem a bit more melancholy in comparison to people in say like southern California. I'm going to find a study. I really don't like this much rain. My soul is wet. Why did I post such nonsense? I have no idea!

The Unwasted Life

2008-03-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Another great charge by General Piper...

Brennan sings

2008-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

Please go over to Kristen's blog and check out Brennan. He is learning to sing and its so fun!

www.kriegkiddos.blogspot.com

Also, I'd like to give a little shout-out to my brother today. Charlie has been working in China as the manager of operations at a golf course in Shanghai since last April. Quite an adventurous journey he's been on lately!! Happy Birthday BRO and welcome back to the U.S.!!

Valentines at the Kennedy School

2008-02-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, if you're ever in the Portland area, you simply MUST go to the Kennedy School Theatre. It's an old school that they converted into a hotel/museum/theatre.

http://www.kennedyschool.com/index.php?loc=57

It's a great place especially for parents b/c you can do a movie and a meal at the same time. Kristen and I celebrated Valentines Day there on Friday. (strategically delayed it to avoid the crowds) They showed "Enchanted" which had both of us on the floor busting a gut. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. Maybe its just us, but "Enchanted" is truly funny...Happy Valentines Day friends!!

Back from Spain Conference

2008-02-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

I'm still jet-lagged and groggy eyed from our Spain conference. Good time there. it was great to see the teams from around the Area of Affairs get encouraged and refreshed after months on the battlefield. I was encouraged to hear a lot of stories of young men and women coming to Christ in the heart of Old Europe. Many of us in the west have given up on Europe. But God is doing a new work there. Even in France there were encouraging stories of students coming to Christ and spiritually interested. Praise God! Nerja is a nice little place on the mediterranean sea. I had a haircut there by a man named Luis. I saw him several times throughout the week as I would walk back and forth from the hotel to the internet cafe where I would call Kristen. I really wish there could have been more time to chase down guys like Luis and the cab driver I rode in with. I forget the cab drivers name but he played on the national soccer team for Uruguay against Pele some 30-35 years ago. Very interesting man. I left him a gospel track as we departed into the hotel. I'm praying he will read it...So we're back in Portland and getting into the groove...

Mission Connexion Portland 2008

2008-01-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Rolling Hills Community Church is hosting a massive missions conference here in Portland. Campus Crusade For Christ is one of about 75 other mission agencies here with tables. Luis Palau and Heather Mercer are a couple of the featured speakers. Across from our booth at the vendor fair is a ministry called Radio Voice Of Christ. They are broadcasting Christian Radio into Iran in the Farsi Language. Interested Iranians can link to the website for more information. I spoke with them for awhile about what they're seeing. It's truly amazing what God is doing through this ministry!!I was so encouraged to see so many people boldly going after the hard places. I was very convicted as well. Heather Mercer's message tonight was a challenge to reject the soft religion of self-preservation, and live sold out to Christ. Kristen and I both sense we have some things to talk through as the Holy Spirit is speaking to us this weekend. I sure hope they put the messages online. Heather Mercer currently lives in Iraq and was absolutely dynamite to listen to.

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

The Kriegs are now at home and recovering from the Winter Conference. What an encouraging time it was! God moved in many great ways and it would be too difficult to go into all the details here, but I'll share a couple ways how we witnessed God move. One way in which I saw God move was seeing God put a burden on the hearts of many students and staff to go to the mission field. I was so encouraged. I led a seminar for recruiting to Russia-Moscow in particular. We decided a couple of months ago to begin challenging the students and staff in our region to go to this city and join the effort to help reach the 1.2 million students there for Jesus Christ. At the time we weren't sure if there would be a team or not. We'll, at the conference I met three staff from Idaho: Josh, Kayla, and Laura who were determined to go and lead a team to Moscow this summer. During the breakout time when I asked the students how many would commit to go, 8 raised their hands. BOOM! Just like that we have laborers. It was just another reminder of the eagerness of students to help change their world for Christ. I haven't heard the final report yet, but there are MANY who are saying yes to overseas projects and missions opportunities! VERY VERY EXCITING!! I loved seeing students move closer in relationship to Christ. Right before our eyes lives were changing for all eternity!!! One girl came and accepted Christ into her life on Saturday. Sunday she was out on the streets of Portland and sharing her faith with others. Many others moved from passivity to a determination to grow and live by faith and even take their faith to others. Eternity is being impacted as these students grapple with Christ and offer themselves unreserved to HIM! We are physically drained right now yet joyful in the privelage to play a small part in what God is doing!!

Regional Conference--700 students expected

2007-12-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

Please be in prayer for the 700+ students that will be descending upon Portland for the annual Winter Conference Dec 28- Jan 1. Pray that God's spirit would move mightily in our midst. Pray for those who don't know the Lord who will be attending that they would make their decision for Jesus this week. Pray for those who have fallen asleep in their faith that God would awaken them to a life of unreserved committment to Christ. Pray also for those whom God will call into ministry as they are challenged to consider the needs in world missions. I will be leading the Moscow seminar and sharing about the needs there. Pray that God would raise up enough students to fill up all of our summer project and one-year missions teams. Oh, and Happy New Year Everybody around the world. We love you!!

Santa's On His Way

2007-12-24T21:40:00.001-08:00

We'll, here he comes. I'm so glad NORAD takes care of this for us common folk. Not sure why he skipped Russia though...oh, I guess its because that territory belongs to Ded Moroz(Father Frost). But at least Ded Moroz could have allowed Santa to use Russian Airspace. I guess these guys have strict rules about how they do business with one another.

2007-12-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Don't Waste Your Life!!! Piper is one of my heros. This clip is just what we need to hear. It motivates my heart to continue to move against the strong current in our American culture to coast through life, pad ourselves with comfort as a generation slips silently into a Christless Eternity. This should not be. We all are in the fight for our lives. Don't let yourself become a dull edge. Keep yourself Sharp! Don't Waste Your Life!!

A visit with Santa...Seaside, Oregon

2007-12-16T11:37:00.001-08:00

On Saturday the Krieg's went out to Seaside. We decided to refuse to allow the weather to dictate our activity for the day. We met Santa in the Carousel mall. The kids had a funny conversation with him that went like this.

Santa[to Madison}: Ho, Ho, Ho,..we'll little girl, what would you like for Christmas?
Madison: I want lot's of princess stuff!
Santa: Ho, ho, ho...that's wonderful [to Brennan] and what would you like for Christmas young man?
Brennan: bad guys
Santa: oh! uh, er. we'll ok.

Overheard in Portland (PDX)

2007-12-13T22:06:00.001-08:00

Oh ya just gotta love this town. Here is an overheard conversation in Portland from the poplular blog "Overheard in PDX"...great stuff!

Man with White Box, on phone: "Hey, it's me. I just got off the plane from LA, and I've got your In and Out burgers. So I'll see you later, or I'll just break into your house and put them in the fridge.- On the 12-Barbur to Sherwood--

visit to Kaunas, Lithuania

2007-12-03T05:39:00.001-08:00

Matt, Krista, and I visited Lithuania this past week and had a very productive time with the campus team there. We were so encouraged to see how the team boldly is proclaiming the gospel among students. Wednesday night several students turned out for the bi-monthly "Agape" night. The gospel was presented in a way that really impacted me. The four points of the gospel presentation were as follows 1) God created you, 2)God loves you, 3) God lost you (i.e. discussion of sin and its consequences), and 4) God wants you back. Point #4 really touched me and reminded me just how passionate Jesus pursued me and continues to pursue me today. His love is magnificent!

The Chocolate Soldier

2007-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

In honor of Veteran's Day here is a sample of one of my favorite pieces of revolutionary Christian writings entitled "The Christian Soldier" by C.T. Studd...wow! What a man!

Heroism is the lost chord; the missing note of present-day Christianity!

Every true soldier is a hero!
A SOLDIER WITHOUT HEROISM IS A CHOCOLATE SOLDIER!
Who has not been stirred to scorn and mirth at the very thought of a Chocolate Soldier? In peace true soldiers are captive lions, fretting in their cages. War gives them their liberty and send them, like boys bounding out of school, to obtain their heart's desire or perish in the attempt. Battle is the soldier's vital breath! Peace turns him into a stooping asthmatic. War makes him a whole man again, and gives him the heart, strength, and vigor of a hero.

EVERY TRUE CHRISTIAN IS A SOLDIER of Christ - a hero "par excellence"! Braver than the bravest - scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft-repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger, and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends.

THE OTHERWISE CHRISTIAN IS A CHOCOLATE CHRISTIAN! Dissolving in water and melting at the smell of fire. "Sweeties" they are! Bonbons, lollipops! Living their lives on a glass dish or in a cardboard box, each clad in his soft clothing, a little frilled white paper to preserve his dear little delicate constitution...

2007-11-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

"God's foolishness is wiser than mans wisdom..." 1 Corinthians 1:25
Man, aint that the truth! Recently I was thinking about the many ways I have seen this to be true in my life. I'm convinced that one of God's hobbies is to confound the wisdom of man and showcase the emptiness of it, while simultaneously displaying the brilliance of his own 'foolishness'.

Man says that if you want to be married, go to the church or the bar.
God says "Don't worry, just follow me. I'll take care of it."

I met my wife following God to Siberia.

Man says that if you want to make a living, get skills, be marketable, find a niche.
God says, "Follow me and I will provide for you abundantly."

Man says that he who dies with the most toys, wins!
God says to lose your life in this world and then you will gain it back in eternity.

As believers, we all have the privelage of impacting people for Christ. And we get to do that every day God gives us on this earth!!

Please add a few of your own if you want. I'm discovering that mans way is actually pretty dull. The real adventure is to live foolishly, following Him without any reservation whatsoever.

IWAN's song

2007-10-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are familiar with Iwan Surna, the POWERHOUSE of Indonesia. (OK, Cheryl, since you're the only one who reads my blog, this is for you...) Recently a group doing Tsunami releif visited and wrote this song about IWAN...oh, it goes to the song Louie, Louie..

Iwan, Iwan
Oh Baby I said
We need Iwan

Every day at four he translates some more
Indonesian into the English
Sometimes it’s confused, sit sighting keeps me amused
It’s Iwan, Iwan
Oh baby
We need Iwan

He tells us what they say, takes six showers a day
It’s Iwan, Iwan
He likes Durien & Dog, he sleeps like a log
Untill his wife calls, I hear through the walls
It’s Iwan, Iwan
Oh baby I said
We need Iwan

Move To Portland

2007-10-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, I haven't posted in quite some time so here goes. We'll we did it. We moved to Portland. 9 months ago we thought the idea of moving to Portland was CRAZY! We had other ideas about how our life would look. BUT, we felt the SPIRIT urge us. Ever had that happen? Has the SPIRT ever urged you to do something that didn't make human sense? Portland made NO sense to us! It was risky. It defied what we felt would be "good" for our family. Yet this is how GOD works. He loves to defy human imaginations. "The intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate". He does this to show us that we must trust only HIM in this life. "Trust not in your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight". And we are discovering that this is exactly what he did in this move to Portland. There are blessings here literally around every corner. In fact, the Pastor of Southwest Bible Church is my neighbor. Literally, I chat with him almost every day. He is an incredible man of God who has an IMMENSE passion for God's Word! Also, I am meeting Russians, Iranians, Greeks, and people from all over. God is faithful. He called us to do something we initially thought was impractical...stupid...nonsensical. And now we see afresh that He indeed is worthy of following. God knows best where to take us in this life. I shudder to imagine where my life would end up if I were calling the shots. YIKES!!

Africa At Its Best

2007-05-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

This is definitely the coolest You Tube video I have ever seen to date. You absolutely must watch this in its entirety. WOW!!!

Awkward Good Samaritan

2007-05-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself in a situation where YOU have a chance to be the good samaritan, but you don't know what to do? The other day I was in such a situation. I was at a popular theme park in the area cruising with my son (pushing him in his stroller) toward the exit. The crowds were too much that day and I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to leave, and NOW! In fact, I was in such a hurry that Kristen didn't see any of which I am about to explain, she was too far behind me. I was on Disney's Main Street when, ahead of me, almost in slow motion, I noticed a VERY rotund man on a mechanized wheelchair up on the sidewalk make a costly miscalculation. He got too close to the curb. His left front wheel went over and then it was all over. Horror filled his eyes as he felt the wheelchair tip in the direction of Main Street. A girl nearby screamed. The man's wheelchair turned on its side and ejected the man into the street. I was one of the first people on the scene. But, when I arrived, I immediately grabbed the wheelchair and began to lift. The man was too big for me to handle by myself. He also had the wheelchair pinned down so my feeble attempt to wrestle the wheelchair free was totally ineffective. Finally, a crowd had gathered and a group of people lifted the man and his wheelchair back to sitting position. A lady behind me was coaching me and the rest of the group through the process. I hadn't a clue as to how to handle the situation tactically, all I had was a will to help. After the whole scene was over I felt good about being able to help, but a little perturbed that I was so awkward in that moment. But, like I said, the will to help is what counts I guess, but I would like to be more "effective" the next time...and perhaps a little stronger.

Brave German Kid

2007-05-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, I heard about this, but here is the whole story. What guts!

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/05/25/003.html

Moscow 1941

2007-04-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a book right now written by Rodric Braithwaite, English Ambassador to Russia from 1988-1992 about the Battle for Moscow during WW2. Absolutely a fascinating read about the advance of Hitlers "Wehrmacht" (War Machine) into Russia. What's fascinating is the sheer numbers of men that were involved. Russia was unprepared for the invasion mostly due to Stalins deluded belief that Hitler was bluffing...big mistake! But Russia still had 4 million men available to throw at the Wehrmacht. 4 million men! Wow! But get this... within the first 2 weeks, Germany had taken 2 million prisoners of war! I just can't imagine those kinds of numbers! I wonder what this would have looked like if you could get a satelite picture of the area in 1941. I'm sure it would have been clearly visible from space, just like Napolean's army of 2 million would also have been visible. It would have appeared as huge dark mass moving across the terrain like a storm cloud or something. Another interesting fact: the Germans had taken so many prisoners that it severely impeded their ability to fight. They had absolutely no plan to feed their prisoners which meant huge numbers simply died of starvation and disease. Nevertheless, Hitler repeats Napoleans mistake and underestimates the will of the Russians and the geography of Russia. If you were to compare the Russian Army with the German Army, clearly the Germans were superior. But, in this book one gets the impression that the "Rodina" or Mother Russia herself is the factor that both Hitler and Napolean underestimated and eventually led to the demise of their vast armies.

The gospel according to Anna Nicole

2007-03-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

What the spank is wrong with America that we are so engrossed in the tragic life of Anna Nicole? What did this woman give to our culture? Did she write a book I should know about? Did she create a famous work of art? No. So what is it then? We'll I have a theory on this and I would love to hear yours. But its my blog, so I'll tell ya my thoughts on the matter. America is fascinated with Anna Nicole because America finds a sort of sadistic comfort in the whole affair. Sadistic because America is fascinated with death right now. (Note the pleothera of crime scene investigation shows that open with some "joe" dead on the floor. ) But Anna Nicoles pursuit of significance and love is the real locus of the fixation. Here is a woman who was filthy rich. Her net worth was somewhere around 400 million, yet she still couldn't get away from the pain in her life. She turned to drugs, materialism, escapism, and other isms's to find comfort for her wounded soul. Anna Nicole is a metaphor of the psyche of many in America today: we are desperately seeking to be loved and accepted yet frustrated when we discover that money, wealth and power aren't enough. One more time I'm reminded of the words of Jesus who said, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest for your souls." Until we do just that, I'm afraid we'll keep repeating the tragedy of Anna Nicole millions of times over in America. What do you think?

Bus

2007-02-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

Fur hats, long coats on a raggled old bus.
The smell of exhaust, and the sights of rust
Zooming past wood houses decrepit and aged.
Not a word is spoken, not hardly a gaze.

Over the bridge into the city, the churches can be seen.
What a marvelous sight, from this stoic scene.
By the school, and now past Kirov Square.
Grimaces seem audible by the nip in the air.

Pushing and shoving his way over to me.
“Here, show your ticket,” the conductor pleads.
Two rubles the fair, a bargain indeed.
Unless you have a pension and the economy recedes.

In my mind I turn to matters at hand.
My visa, the ministry, and the struggles of this land.
Days have at times just dragged so long.
Yet inside there’s peace, His strength my song.

When moments are compared how wild it seems.
One day on a train, alone, and reamed.
On other as I stroll my heart on the heights
Thankful to God, in his will heart delights.

On to the circus now, the ol’ beast wobbles on.
A turn and a jerk, and a blast on the horn.
From our path they escape to the safe of the walks.
No mercy, no fear the drivers eyes-locked.

What a ride I sigh as I step off to leave.
Brushing by faces all down and bereaved.
That old great beast now barrels away.
I, into the city, to the plans of the day.
-MEK

Distance

2007-02-20T03:27:00.000-08:00

From Iberia to Siberia His love will reach.
From the shores of Baikal to Spains farthest beach.
In the heart of Mexico, in the jungles therein,
Even there His Spirit rustles within.
30,000 feet above Greenland his glory is known.
Her astral peaks in dawns pink glow.
In the streets of Tallinn, among the spires of Prague
His love is there, it carries me along.
In the Paria near a fire, in a dry and rocky place.
Even there his whispers speak glimpses of his face.
On the edge of the Grand Canyon his beauty is displayed.
In the Rockies of Montana the creation he has made.
From the back of that pickup, the eyes of a young boy did gaze,
On all of that celestial magnificence, and questions were raised.
What is He like? Does He know who I am?
Would He hear me if I call? Would He understand?
Through the taiga, on that train to the east I did sense
Once again His hand guiding us hence;
To bear forth his Word like so many times before
That they might believe, His Spirit we did implore.
And again, once more I experienced this anew,
that this God of ours is faithful and true.
-MEK

Re-entry

2007-02-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

A tired wearied soul, timid and meek.
Sittin in his box in his 5-day work week
One moment fighting fires on the border of hell
The next he’s pushing paper-waitin for the lunch bell
These two realities just don’t relate.
He’s a commando at heart, a warrior by trade,
forced behind the beat of the commuting parade.
Confusion of the heart, a wandering of the soul,
Trying to find his way in this world gone cold.
Nobody gets him, he feels all alone,
All he wants right now is to find his way home.
But in this mess a lesson to be gained
Significance is in the cross and not in the game.
The war wages on-the rules remain the same
The only difference is the scenery has changed.