A Snowy Super Bowl Sunday

Right now,  Chicago is in the throws of what could be an 18-inch snowstorm,  dubbed Winter Storm Linus by the Weather channel folks.  It began snowing around 7:45 last evening (Sat 1/31) and still snowing as I write this (6:50PM on Sun 2/1).  The Super Bowl is also going on at this time,  but not being into football,  I'm content with just hanging out.  Last year at this time,  I was down in Haiti on this very weekend,  and missed all the football hype.  This year,  since I'm at home,  just not motivated to watch the big game.  Usually if I'm at a gathering or a party of some sort,  I at least have a little motivation to view the pigskin being tossed to and fro.  Snow and wind continue to rage outside,  putting a stop to many Super Bowl parties in the Chicago area.  I did read somewhere that this day,  Super Bowl Sunday,  as a "celebration of American Materialism".  That may be true to an extent.  It's also an excuse to hang out with friends,  drink some beverages,  chute the breeze,  and enjoy the company of good friends,  all the while with the game on the big screen in the background.

Here We Go Again

Happy 2015!  The year of kindness is here!  It's going to be an amazing year.  After a dissappointing 2014 the international ministry is picking up.  I'm also in a better place this year than last year at this time. 

One thing not changing is a visit from an unwelcome guest known as Polar Vortex.  Like at this same time last year,  it will descend on Chicago tomorrow night (Sun 1/4) and linger through the week.  It will be a shock after the mild December Chicago just had.

How will you make 2015 a great year?  Let's kindle the kindness once again

A World Spinning Out Of Control

Maybe you have noticed lately the global anxiety that is mounting?  The whole ISIS terrorism thing,  threats to our country,  people irritable and angry,  it's even beginning to scare me a little.  Everywhere you go someone is angry with someone.  Grudges are held,  and not easily let go.  Hurricanes trapping Chicago area firemen in Mexico,  where they were subject to riots and looting last week.

Where has kindness gone? 

Kindness is inside of everyone.  It's up to us to show it and spread it.

A random act of kindness goes a long way.

Kindness in a Stress-filled society

If you live in a large metropolitan area like I do,  you likely have experienced some stress.  In fact,  I recently heard that a whopping 77% of Americans experience some form of stress everyday. 

We live in a time of much anxiety,  both local and global.  We are anxious about our jobs,  homes,  and whether we will still have them in a few months.  Also heard that lots of stress comes from angry people who we are in forced proximaty with,  such as co-workers who always gripe,  or a boss who always seems to be watching you.

I found out that getting away from these "toxic" people is a great stress-reducer.

Show them some kindness.

Last weekend I spent in the town of Waupun, WI (not far from Fond du Lac) and really enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle.  A far cry from the hectic pace of life in the Chicago suburbs. 

Random Kindness

I began attending services at Christ Church of Oak Brook back in late November,  and have got plugged in there faster than anywhere I've attended so far since back at Willow Creek in the early-mid 1990's.  Went out for lunch after the service today,  with folks I've met since November.  It's still very cold today,  as this harsh winter that will not end is doing just that.

Random acts of kindness can make or break a person.  Some people are lonely and waiting for someone to reach out.  Others are angry,  and waiting to be calmed.  You can't plan a random act of kindness. 

Acts of kindness are not thought highly of in our me-centered and self-indulging culture.  In our blind pursuit of elegance and comfort,  we have all but forgotten about random kindness.  We are in such a rush to get from here to there,  we don't have any time for anything other than ourselves.  Our technology has only further increased our breakneck speed of life,  and we now get angry and impatient with any wait more than a minute,  including a download or internet connection.  We are an anxious,  exhausted,  burned out society,  more now than anytime in history.  We have no time other than our relentless pursuit of more,  but more of what?  Enough is just not enough,  but what are we looking for anyway?

In other countries I have traveled to,  time is all they have.  Life in Haiti and Africa is devoid of modern technology and convieniences,  but people seem to be much more happy and fulfilled than us Americans are.  Yes,  their life is hard too,  but they seem to know how/when to slow down.

This week,  take some time to slow down,  catch your breath,  and choose kindness.

What's Next - Kindling the Kindness

Normally on Thursday evenings I participate in a Bible study small group down in Naperville,  but just heard the traffic reports,  and both highways I use from Schaumburg to Naperville are totally gridlocked with traffic,  snarled by this evening's rain and fog.  At least it's not snow,  we'll get more of that here next week.  It's the 4th time I have had to miss out on attending these meetings due to bad traffic.  So now I once again find myself with an open Thursday evening

So - I'll use this time to think,  ponder,  and pray about where I should travel to next.  I did travel to Haiti about 3 weeks ago to hang out with orphaned children,  and also visited a slum,  which was very eye-opening.  Kindness will hopefully be re-kindled soon. 

What is Kindness?

Kindness is compassion to the fullest extent.  It's not thought very highly of in our self-indulging culture,  but is greatly respected by everyone.

Let's bring back the kindness!

Shiver Me Timbers

If you live in the Chicago area like I do,  I bet you are shivering right about now.  The city is in the icy grip of a record cold wave that sent last nights temps bottoming out at -22.  The stiff wind makes it feel like around -41 at this time.

Imagine that you are homeless,  wandering the streets of downtown Chicago,  just looking for somewhere to warm up.  You already have gotten frostbite,  and now in danger of hypothermia.  You enter an establishment,  but are quickly kicked out.  You finally find another establishment and enter.  This time no one seems to notice you,  except for a man sitting a couple of tables away from you.  He approaches you,  a McDonald's gift card in hand,  and hands it to you.  He wishes you a great day,  to keep warm,  and exits.

You are taken aback by this random act of kindness.  Normally the patrons will avoid you or ignore you.  You walk up and order some food with the gift card,  and finally nourish your hunger pangs and the warmth of the place.  When you feel you are ready to brave the cold again,  you head out into the biting winds,  albeit this time with a full stomach.

The above scenario is hopefully played out every day in Chicago,  as well as other large cities and metropolitan areas.  A random act of kindness can go a long way.  In fact,  it will be remembered for days by the recipient. 

How about a random act of kindness?

Feeling the Cabin Fever

Have you ever felt cooped up?  A little blah?  Antsy?  If so ,  I can identify with that about now.

Chicago is now in the midst of one of it's worst weather sequence of events in nearly 20 years.  Began with an 18-inch snowfall on New Years Eve into New Years Day,  and also Jan 2.  We were hit again on Saturday evening/night Jan 4 with almost 6 more inches,  and still snowing as I write this about 10:55AM CDT Sun Jan 5.  Adding to the misery will be a record cold snap this evening through Tuesday (Jan 6-7) when it will drop below 0 and not get above it until Wednesday.  Looks like will be home bound for a couple more days here.

But looking ahead,  the kindness-spreading will ramp up once again.  Will travel back to Haiti later this month,  and spend time loving on orphaned children.  These kids don't know what they don't have.  If you were to give them a video game or an iPhone,  they would not know what to do with it,  and likely will get rid of it somehow.  It's their lifestyle of simplicity.

Spread some kindness this week

Journey of kindness resumes in 2014!

Just realized it has been exactly 1 year to the day since I last posted,  but beginning now will send updates more frequently.  The kindness-spreading will begin again in 2014 and will not stop,  so stay tuned,,,

Well,  another year has come and gone.  Has it been good,  so-so,  not so good,  or a downright horrible year and you can't wait until midnight on Tuesday when we'll ring in 2013.  For me,  it was mixed,  some high points,  some low points,  and everything in between.

I know folks who have had a banner year in 2012,  and others who had the worst year of their life.  I (and I hope you are too) looking forward to a great 2013,  the year where kindness will make a comeback.

I know you probably seen the news,  on TV or the newspaper.  The seemingly senseless massacre in Newtown, CT a few weeks back.  Why would someone want to kill innocent schoolchildren?  Someone in need to receive some kindness.  Normally I take news as it comes,  but this incident bothered me.

What kind of 2013 do you hope to have?  If you had a great 2012,  just carry it over into 2013 on that high note.  If 2012 has not been kind to you,  and for many of you that was the case,  what changes will you make as we welcome this new year in just about 40 hours from now? 

As we charge headlong into this next year,  remember to always choose kindness!

Happy New Year!!

What is kindness?  It's compassion to it's fullest extent.  Kindness is not thought very highly of in our culture,  but is respected.  A random act of kindness never goes unnoticed. 

Kindness benefits everyone,  bringing joy to the giver and peace to the receiver,  and also facilitates respect from all who notice.

Always choose kindness,  you'll be rewarded for it!

Have you noticed how angry people seem to be lately?  I sat in on a group discussion last week on anger and it's all around us.  The irate motorist that gives the "single gun" salute to surrounding motorists seemingly for no reason?  Did they get into the car planning to be angry?  Likely it's not the case.  It has builded up inside for some time.  Or the rowdy sports fan who constantly screams obsenities from the stands at referees and players out on the field?  Likely that individual has been seething for some time,  maybe weeks or months,  and has an excuse to vent some of that pent-up rage.  Or the recently laid-off construction worker who is planning retaliation against his now-former boss.  Well,  maybe he has a little more of a reason to be angry.

Why have we become so angry?  Is it jealousy?  With all the political hype going on now,  maybe that has something to do with it too.  Someone will always not be happy following a presidential election.

I am not immune to anger issues either.  And yes,  I still get upset from time to time.  One of my ways is that I don't watch a lot of evening television,  or much TV at all for that matter,  and usually spend my downtime engrossed in a book.  I do watch news on and off,  but I don't become obsessed with it. 

Last week I began delivering food items to shut-in clients from Peoples Resource center food pantry in Wheaton.  All of the clients I've visited so far are very grateful to receive some food,  and some attention.  Just think,  they may not talk to another soul the rest of the day.

When you help out someone a little less fortunate,  it washes the anger away.  When you spread kindness randomly,  someone will always take notice.

Let's spread some random kindness this week

Yesterday I heard from World Orphans that they have postponed their international trips until 2013,  including my planned trip with them to South Africa in December.  It's good news both ways,  as now I can concentrate on local ministry,  and international kindness-spreading in 2013.

Beginning next week I'll begin doing home visits to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton,  bringing them food items to those who are shut-in,  or have no transport.  I've heard many of them are elderly (and very lonely) and just waiting for a kind soul to pay any attention to them.  They feel the world is passing them by,  leaving them in the dust,  while on their way in the constant pursuit of more.

I'm enjoying attending at Wheaton Bible Church,  and am slowly getting plugged in to a community there,  For the past couple years I thought of myself as a wayward pilgrim,  a minimalist,  someone content with what I have,  which is a lot compared to many impoverished villagers in the Third World.  Now I feel like a part of a community once again.

This Sunday I'll again head to Willow Creek's downtown Chicago campus.  Just can't get enough,  or get away from there.  Will still plan to attend there once a month.

Sometime in mid-late October I'll join WBC's Hunger Team,  their version of Meals on Wheels.  It will be similar to what I'll be doing with Peoples Resource.

Remember to choose kindness!

Last weekend,  tropical storm Isaac formed in the Atlantic,  roared through the Caribbean Islands,  Puerto Rico,  Hispaniola (including Haiti,  dumping tremendous rains and caused mudslides) and emerged into the Gulf of Mexico.  Isaac ate some Wheaties and became a hurricane just prior to slamming into the New Orleans area late Tuesday night.  It wreaked havoc along the Gulf Coast for a few days,  drenching the area with rain and even spun up a few tornadoes.  Now,  on September 1 at 11:33AM CDT,  Isaac is making his presence felt here in the Chicago area,  disrupting many Labor Day weekend festivals.  Isaac will continue to hang out in the area today,  this evening/tonight,  and into tomorrow,  before continuing onward. 

The rain is so desperately needed here,  after this past summer's drought. 

Right now,  even through I was sort of in a "drought" this past summer,  my life now is anything but a drought.  In fact,  it's becoming the "hurricane" that Isaac was just 5 days ago down on the Gulf Coast.  I have been in contact with World Orphans,  a Colorado-based missions organization that specializes in reaching out to orphaned children in poor countries worldwide.  I even applied for an opportunity to travel to South Africa with them last week,  and on September 20 I'll find out if I made the team to head out in December to South Africa,  ministering in the Durban and Pretoria areas.

Beginning in late September I'll begin doing "home visits" to clients of the Peoples Resource Center food pantry in Wheaton,  who are shut-in,  or have no transportation.  Many new opportunities are opening up at this time.  The past couple weeks I've communicated with folks I have not heard from,  or spoken to,  in 3 months.  Even went down to Parkview Church last Saturday evening,  then went to Willow Creek Chicago last Sunday.  I'll attend down there again on September 9.

Stay tuned,,,lots happening.

As always,  remember to choose kindness!

This upcoming fall/winter ministry season could be one of my biggest and best yet.  I'm waiting for this summer to end (yes,  I know it's twisted and backwards for anyone reading this) and then can immerse myself into the many ministries of Wheaton Bible Church,  where I've been attending since July 8.  I know the next Hunger Team (their version of Meals on Wheels) training is at the end of this month,  and then can officially join the team about 1 month from now.  Also am planning to travel internationally with them,  or with World Relief,  their largest ministry partner.

For the last couple weeks I've been cutting back on a few of my serves,  and hoping to fill up my kindness tank,  which honestly,  has been running close to empty since just after Memorial Day.  I sort of took these last 2 months off from international travel due to that.  I'll be fully back at it in a month.

Possible trips to South Africa,  Haiti,  and maybe Kenya are in the works,  but not definite yet. 

Maybe God has given me these last 2 months to re-focus a bit.  Being an others-focused person,  I many times tend to neglect myself,  and my own needs.  More than one friend has reminded me of that in the past couple months.  I'm now finally realizing that.

It has been a roller-coaster summer of change and transition. 

This Sunday I'll attend the service downtown at Willow Creek Chicago.  That is one thing that will not change,  attending there once a month

I've attended Wheaton Bible Church for 2 weeks now,  and am taking steps to get plugged in there.  I participated in their newcomers class for 2 weeks,  and now will start checking out different classes,  groups,  etc.  This definitely seems like a place where I can use my gifts.  They are a missions-focused,  outreach-oriented church.  They have missionaries serving worldwide and have many local partners.  When you make change,  you make friends.  Hopefully that's true

I'm now on the cusp of some big changes,  including a church change too.  I'll begin attending at Wheaton Bible Church (Wheaton/Carol Stream area) beginning on Sunday July 1.  I actually visited here once back in March,  and immediately liked it.  They are an outreach-oriented church,  which is perfect for me. 

I'll also be building a new community of folks,  from the ground up.  Being kind of a "nomad",  this will be a change for me,  to be rooted and grounded in community by the time fall rolls around.  They also have a group of folks called the "Hunger Team",  who travel all over DuPage County bringing food items to people who have fallen on hard times,  and others who are shut in.  Sounds like a great fit,  to take my local ministry to the poor to a whole other level.  The next chance to join this group of kind souls will be in mid-late August,  so not much will happen between now and then.  In the meantime I'll begin attending WBC regularly,  meet some folks,  get my feet wet there,  etc.

I've been back for almost 3 weeks now and have got back into the rat-race pace of life of Chicago,  but minus the self-indulgence of our culture.  Yes,  the traveling in the Third World has had that effect on me,  a good thing,  a great thing.  In the last 4 years or so I have lived out a counter-cultural lifestyle,  the best I could.

On Sunday I rose early and headed downtown to attend Willow Creek's Chicago campus.

On Monday I served at the Crystal Lake food pantry in the namesake city in the afternoon,  and then served at the Bessie's Table soup kitchen later that afternoon/evening. 

An interesting side note,  I was just made aware that many school-aged children in our area are most hungry during the summer months.  Food pantry visits everywhere I am are on the rise,  and (this true for inner-city children) the summer can be a dangerous time of year,  school is out,  the hot weather,  kids are bored,  and crime goes up.  To combat this,  Willow Creek Chicago is sponsoring a week-long "day camp" for children on Chicago's south side in July.

Summer has now officially arrived.  Enjoy it!

On Monday I returned from spending 10 days down in South Africa,  in the Port Shepstone area,  about 2 hours south of Durban next to the Indian Ocean.  Beautiful country down there,  and awesome weather too,  even though they are heading into their southern hemisphere winter. 

The first item on the docket was a church service at the Norwegian Settlers Church,  in the community of Marburg.  The service was awesome!  A vibrant Willow Creek Association church that is reaching out in their community.  Feel I've made some friends here,  despite my rather brief time with everyone here.  Later that day was a trip to the nearby Indian Ocean.

On Mon,  Wed,  and Fri mornings we headed up into the mountains,  and the poor community of Khula.  Every day nearly 100 children (age 2-5 yrs) converge on the Khula Cresche,  and participate in story time,  sing songs,  do crafts,  and receive a meal.  A simple meal,  just a bowl of porridge.  Even at the young age they are experts on sharing what little they have.

On Mon-Thu afternoons we made our way back down the mountains into the impoverished community of Murchison,  located just outside of Port Shepstone.  The Murchison Community Center reaches out to many schoolchildren aged 4-13.  Many of them swing by here on their way home from school,  and a few may not attend school at all.  They would rather come here than go home,  just to hang out and forget about their circumstances at home.  Child-headed households are in abundance,  and AIDS is prevelant.  This facility hosts a reading room,  a music academy,  a gym/weight room,  and a few other activities.  The gym is a really cool outreach tool,  daily devotions go on while the men are pumping iron.  I got a chance to participate in many of the reading room activities,  and also serve these kids probably their only meal of the day.  Most are not fed at home.

On Monday evening I sat in on a short meeting with some rural Zulu pastors,  and heard some of their amazing stories of ministering to the poor.

On Tue and Thu mornings I spent at the Genesis Care Centre,  an AIDS hospice facility located behind the Norwegian Settlers Church.  It's home to around 40 AIDS patients.  Also those same mornings they host a "Chapel Service".  A local pastor comes in,  accordion in hand,  and totally loses himself in the Lord as he ministers love and kindness to these victims of AIDS.  It was a cool experience.  The staff here are some of the most caring folks I've met in a long time.  They give the patients the quality one-on one time they need.

On Wed evening I went to a small group led by the pastor,  very nice to meet some more of the NSC congregation in a relaxed setting.

Friday's lunch was eaten at Leopard Rock,  located high above Oribi Gorge,  in the mountains. 

The finale of our ministry was on Friday evening,  at Youth Alive.  Held at the NSC,  over 100 Zulu teenagers make their way here,  some from the community,  some from nearby squatter camps.  Loud,  vibrant worship blended with relevant teaching makes this a favorite Friday night hangout for them.

On Saturday,  our ministry was officially over,  and time to de-compress before the entry back into the fast-paced self-indulging culture of the US.  This morning we went on a 2-hour game drive at Tala Game Reserve,  just NW of Durban.  Yes,  saw animals in their domain.

Later on Saturday we headed into downtown Durban to witness a professional rugby game,  and ate borewors.  This was South African culture at it's finest.  Our Sunday afternoon departure loomed nearer and nearer,  and tried to take in the local culture as much as possible.

Now,  we're back in the States,  adjusting to time-changes and culture shifts.  This was one of the most impactful trips I've done.  Maybe do it again next year?  Still too early to tell.