Archive for the ‘Fun’ Category

40 Acres of Truth

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Posted 08 Mar 2011 — by nick
Category Fun, GCM, Ministry, music, Spirituality

Music has always been an important part of my life. Not that I play any instruments; I simply consume a lot, I always have. I’ve heard it  said that artists are the prophets of a generation – I think I agree. Some of the greats would being Dylan, the Beatles, Jeff Tweedy and maybe even Justin Bieber (not really though).

The messages that dance melodically into our ears shape the way we think about the world, inspire new vocabulary and raise social issues. At least the good music does.

An album that would make a top 10 list for me is 40 Acres by Caedmon’s Call. From start to finish it washes you with truth and honest, heart gripping stories of following God. Not long after I became a Christian I purchased this album. It was a little folksy for me at the time, but I came to love it. Listening to it again recently brought reminders of all the places and things I’ve been through in the past 12 years.

My response: Thankfulness for a God who walks with me. A needed reminder as I spend so much time on the road raising support.

Doritos Commercial

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Posted 11 Feb 2011 — by nick
Category Fun, Technology, Television, Videos, Volkswagen

Many of you probably saw this commercial during the Superbowl. It’s still making me laugh.

While I agree with most, the Volkswagen Darth Vader commercial was probably the best, this Doritos one was just wacky enough to really standout.

Amy would like me to tell you all that she does not share my love for this commercial or these tasty chips. We don’t have them in our house mostly do to her MSG intolerance (which they are loaded with).

January 2011 Update

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Posted 05 Jan 2011 — by nick
Category Creation, Family, Friends, Fun, GCM, Illini Life, Jesus, Ministry, Photos, Spirituality, Winter

Hello friends below you should find our update letter for January 2011.

Download (PDF, 297KB)

Christmas in Vermont

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Posted 02 Jan 2011 — by nick
Category Creation, Family, Fun, Photos, Winter

Amy and I spent the week before Christmas in Killington, Vermont with her family. It was a combined Christmas celebration and pre-celebration of her youngest brother’s high school graduation. We both agree, it was a sweet Christmas present and welcomed time with family to play and relax.

Here are some pictures from our time on Killington Mountain.

Merry Christmas!

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Posted 18 Dec 2010 — by nick
Category Family, Friends, Fun, Winter

Amy and I head out for our holiday travels tomorrow morning. I’m not sure how much computer access we’ll have between now and then, so I thought I’d take a minute to wish you all a Merry Christmas now.

Merry Christmas!

December 2010 Update

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Posted 16 Dec 2010 — by nick
Category Family, Friends, Fun, GCM, Illini Life, Jesus, Ministry, Spirituality, Winter

Hello friends below you should find our update letter for December 2010.

Download (PDF, 281KB)

Celebrating Baptism

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Posted 02 Nov 2010 — by nick
Category Creation, Friends, Fun, GCM, Illini Life, Jesus, Ministry, News, Spirituality, Technology

Summit Church Beach BaptismsI spent last week in Orlando, FL near the headquarters of GCM, as a stop along the support raising trail back to campus. My good friend Chris hosted me at his place for the week as I worked at finding times to meet with folks and share about the work I do and – during the off hours – spent much time working on upgrading the GCM network firewall with our IT department.

Shortly after arriving in Orlando I found myself standing on the beach facing the Atlantic Ocean. Chris’ church was holding their Baptism service – which is much more of a celebration than most churches I’ve attended. I loved the atmosphere and excitement as we celebrated brothers and sisters making a public display of the inward commitment they had made to follow Jesus.

Together in community we shared a meal, cheered as 113 folks were baptized in the waves of the Atlantic (including some more notable figures), worshiped together in music and voice and shared our lives. This church thinks about baptism much the way that Illini Life does – it’s an event we want to celebrate as a church community. It’s worthy of celebrating as we watch others make a public declaration to the church body that they belong to Jesus.

Traveling life of a missionary

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Posted 25 Oct 2010 — by nick
Category Fun, GCM, Jesus, Ministry, Spirituality, Television

Airtran flight 561 seat 26C from BMI (Bloomington, IL) to MCO (Orlando, FL). At just over a half hour into the flight drinks and pretzels have been served, passengers hide their faces in books, laptops, crossword puzzles – the normal routine.

Like most on this flight, Orlando is my final destination. I hear rumbles of Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter and the Beach. Sounds like fun! Likely for me this week won’t hold any of those staples, at least not in the vacationing sense. I’m on the support raising road back to campus – Orlando is a stop along the way. This week I’m hoping to meet with new and old friends of Amy and I to share about the great things God is doing at University of Illinois and how they can be a part of it.

While I’m there I’ll also be working with the IT guys in the GCM office to install a new network firewall; lending my expertise and experience from my past life as a network engineer. I’m excited to be able to serve GCM in this way. Consulting time of network engineers tends to be pricey so I’m happy to save us those costs.

Isn’t that how we do church? You might have a knack for hospitality so you host welcome events and greet people at the door on Sunday. Or you might be a gifted singer so you lead us in worship. Maybe you do both. Me, I’m a nerd that gets networking and computers, but I also love sharing about Jesus with others. As a missionary I get to do both. Admittedly, the networking and computers hardly ever, making it exciting when I do get the chance.

October 2010 Update

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Posted 05 Oct 2010 — by nick
Category Family, Friends, Fun, GCM, Illini Life, Jesus, Ministry, Running, Scripture, Spirituality

Hello friends below you should find our update letter for October 2010.

Download (PDF, 432KB)

Chicago Marathon – Fast Approaching

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Posted 04 Oct 2010 — by nick
Category Creation, Family, Friends, Fun, News, Running

Well folks, we are less than a week away from the Chicago Marathon. Amy and I have been training for nearly 18 weeks specifically for this race coming off the Illinois Marathon 1/2 marathon and Mattoon triathlon this summer.

I’m eager to beat on the streets of this great city after several years off of marathoning. This well run race has always been a favorite of mine.

This will be Amy’s first marathon, I hope you’ll join me in cheering her on and wishing her luck as she tackles this huge goal.

If you’re interested in following our progress in the race you can sign up for runner updates to your mobile device, follow the directions here.

Just Keep Running!

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