Czech It Out

Finally

2007-07-12T10:18:00.000+02:00

Okay, finally I have decided to upload more of my pictures to the web, and along with them some captions to let you know a little more of what I saw and experienced! You can check out my photos from India by clicking on the picture below

India

Thanks for viewing and please remember that these pictures are pictures I took- if you would like to use a picture or more- you are welcome to do that, I only ask that you write me and ask or at least let me know what you are using them for! Thanks!

2007-05-08T11:42:00.000+02:00

Lonavala-India

2007-05-08T11:30:00.000+02:00

At Home

2006-12-07T11:09:00.000+01:00

Have you even been away from home? Have you ever been away from home for so long that you begin to wonder, "Just, where is home again?" Well, this is where I find myself this year! The last 4 years at Christmas time, I have spent in a foreign country. Czech, Turkey, and Sweden have been the places where I have opened up gifts and remembered Jesus' birth! But this year, I will return to the States and spend Christmas with my family and the holidays with my friends! I return not as a prodigal child in way of having been gone spending money in foolish ways and wasting away all that has been given me... but rather I return as a sort of prodigal (which can also mean: having or giving something on a lavish scale) meaning that I return to my roots, I return to where I left, I return 'home', but I return having been lavished on; I return having been given so much; I return having so much! I may not have much in way of the physical (money, things...) but I have, in these last now 5 years been given something that one can never return to the store or give back to the person who gave it to them. I have been given experiences in which I have learned about other cultures, other peoples, other ways of life. I have been given insight, encouragement. I have been given more understanding of who I am, and who God is to me. I have been given numerous opportunities (some seized and some missed) to just be His hands and feet! And most of all I have been given 'HOME'. My new HOME can never replace my roots and can never shadow over what was built in me from birth! BUT my new HOME is filled with friends and those friends who have become family! And I realize that no matter where I am... America, Czech, Turkey, North Africa, Asia, or somewhere else in Europe, I am at HOME. It is there I have the opportunity to build relationships; it is there I have the privilege of gaining family; it is there that I find God. He is Immanuel, God with US! Not God with ME! But God with US! So where I find and build and maintain relationships- THAT is where God is! And that is where I am AT HOME!!!

So this Advent season as we focus on love, joy, peace, and hope... may we not forget to focus on those relationships with friends, family, and perfect strangers! And may We find Immanuel in His truest form- IN RELATIONSHIP!

What was that?

2006-05-10T09:58:00.000+02:00

I was sitting in the "Factory" in Harpenden, England a couple weeks ago and at one point I looked up and really had to think about what I saw. As I looked across the table tops I saw that they were covered with PCs and PowerBooks, and I had to ask myself if I knew where I was? It wasn't because I have been doing so much traveling, but it was because the world is now a different place- not bad just different! I realized I was right where I needed to be. I was in the middle of a communications conference/workshop. Though the workshop may have been different then others I have taken part in, I knew I had to be there. At some point this all hit me, what we were doing there, when someone asked for a pen and paper and 3 of us sat on some couch, holding our PowerBooks and PC's but not able to lend a pen- it hit me then, that we as a group of people gathering together to try to improve communications in our organization were NOT staying out of the current flow of where the world is taking us... we were right in there, in fact we are on the front lines. We realize that everybody is communicating something- EVERYBODY! And we are a group that want to communicate the TRUTH to the world, effectively, creatively, and professionally! So though we couldn't find a pen anywhere, I found the values that lie just underneath all striving and hard work of communicating. Then I knew I was in the right place, though I don't consider myself a great communicator I realize there is no time like the present to improve and just try! The work shop was very educational for me... but at the same time that we were inside with our computers and really getting down to work, there were times when we could go out and enjoy nature around us. I stole one of those times to slip into the woods and stumbled upon a patch of "Bluebells" as I think they are called. Beautiful, little, protected flowers just scattered all across the floor of the dark woods. Some patches of sun were beaming through even the thick canopy of leaves above and gave me enough light to see that even these flowers were communicating. They don't need computers and the internet to communicate... they were simply there doing what they were supposed to do... growing, spreading, and showing God's glory. They have no mouth to lift up a voice with, and yet that afternoon I heard them screaming of God's glory from their dark place on the earth. I saw in these simple yet beautiful and magnificent flowers a form of communication that I must not forget... the form of communication that needs no electricity, that needs no cables that needs no paper... it's communication that comes from just being. So as I continue to learn from these little flowers, to just communicate with who I am, I will also go forth in communications with all that is at our disposal and I hope only join in with the "Bluebells" and sing together of God's glory and hope to communicate HIM to this world which is so in need of a little Light of a little Truth that will make all the difference!

Shanghai in Black and White...continued...still

2006-04-21T17:00:00.000+02:00

Shanghai in Black and White...continued

2006-04-20T11:36:00.000+02:00

Shanghai in Black and White

2006-04-20T10:00:00.000+02:00

I wanted to put up some more photos to show the faces of some more people but also some of the streets and just the city center of Shanghai. These are just some random shots! I don't take too many pictures of the "sights" because I can always buy postcards or a book about a place, but I find I enjoy taking pictures of the things that some times get over looked like trash cans, hanging birds, or a man with an unforgettable face! These are the moments that help make up an experience and are often soon forgotten.

Shanghai in 10 Days... continued

2006-04-18T23:14:00.000+02:00

Shanghai in 10 Days

2006-04-18T21:38:00.000+02:00

I have lots to say about my time in Shanghai but wanted to first let the pictures do some talking of their own before I spoil them with my thoughts, ideas, and dreams! These are just some digital shots I took while on the streets of Shanghai. I hope to write more about my experiences there and add some more pictures in the future. But for now here are some quick glances into life in Shanghai. You will notice that mainly I have people here! That is on purpose! I have come to realize that LIFE is a person. You can have relationship with LIFE. Some days one can relate so well to LIFE, enjoy it, love it, and not seem to be able to get enough of it. Other days it is the one thing one wishes would just go away, when all is wrong that the thought of LIFE can seem like a dream once dreamt. People are constantly trying to make LIFE something smaller... a bowl of cherries, a box of chocolates... I don't believe that is the LIFE we have been called to. Though I do have my days where even I say: "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get." Those are the days I wish life would stop nagging me. But even in that I know LIFE is there because He dares to nag me! You see LIFE may not be a bowl of cherries or a box of chocolates but LIFE is a person, it is a relationship! And at this time of the year we celebrate LIFE. Spring time is near, Easter has just passed and it all screams of LIFE! My heart aches for more LIFE. And as that abundant LIFE my whole self burns for seems most days just out of reach- still I know He is there!
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."-Jesus
These pictures just capture moments of LIFE- they capture people who LIFE Himself desires to have relationship with!

Half A Year... YIKES!!!!

2006-01-14T12:09:00.000+01:00

"One never goes so far as when one doesn't know where one is going." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

It is amazing all the places that a person can go in a half a year, both in this physical world and in the inner world of one's heart! I have been traveling nearly non-stop since my last post. My travels have taken me around Czech and from Czech to Germany, Latvia, the States, Sweden, Holland... always returning to Czech for some time before packing my bags again and heading out on a new adventure. The reasons for the trips vary, but each leaves me changed and eager for more change! I have been reading about Abraham and how he left his country, his people, his family and went to an undisclosed place. In other words he had no idea where he would end up when he left! My travels always have some ticket connected to them. I always have a departure time and place, and with it an arrival time and place. He didn't have that comfort he just packed and left not knowing. Sometimes my trips don't turn out like I think they will, getting stuck in Germany for a night because of missed flights... taking bus half way across a country just to save a few bucks... but still there is a destination even if the times get messed up! But that didn't stop Abraham from going far. Maybe Goethe had Abraham in mind when he said the above quote, or maybe he had those of us who are starting new adventures every day, not knowing where we are going, in mind. I have been thinking so much, now at the beginning of 2006, that I have NO idea where I will end up this year! I have no clue all the places and people I will meet this year! I don't know how I will get there, or whose hand will be extended for me to shake when I get there. I don't know where there is, BUT like Abraham went, I want to GO! Maybe I will go to far away lands that I have not been to before- I want to GO! Maybe I will go deeper into my heart, deeper then ever before- I want to GO! Some days to go far can just mean to take that next step... and some days it can mean to cross new boarders, boarders of the heart, or boarders on the map! Maybe far can only be defined by the one traveling, but one thing is for sure: far is not staying in the same place, whether on the surface of the earth or in the heart! So, I will GO this year... where?- I do not know; when?- no clue; how?- I can only imagine! I don't want to stay in the same place... so, I will GO and GO FAR WITH GOD!

Waiting?

2005-07-08T21:19:00.000+02:00

Jan_2
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

I want to introduce you to Jan (John in English). I visited Jan's home yesterday while waiting for my friends in Prague. I didn't know it was his home when I went there, I was just trying to find a place to sit. So I found this place next to Jan, and without knowing it, I was invited into his home and shown hospitality. He entertained me by feeding some pigeons, which later I found out were his friends, and we shared a conversation that I will not soon forget! Jan has been living at the bottom of Václavské Náměstí (a famous square in Prague) by a metro station for the past 15 years. This place I found to sit and wait has become his home.
When I sat down I couldn't help but notice Jan, the way he was dressed the food he was eating, and the way others avoided him or stared at him. I sat there a while watching and genuinely enjoying watching him feed the birds. It was that action that sort of broke the ice for us... he spoke first in telling me they were his friends and from there we had a nice conversation about life and what brought us both to this moment in life. He told me about his family who refuses to speak with him, but how it doesn't matter now because he has everything that he needs. He told me of his many friends who give him money, food, and clothes. When I asked him if there was anything he needed, his reply was quick- he had all that he needed. We continued talking until he crossed the square and laid down in the shade to take a late morning nap.
The rest of the day I spent walking around Prague and could not get Jan out of my thoughts. We went to a market and were just walking around looking at all the things to buy that we didn't need... my thoughts were still with Jan and I could picture him there sitting in his home eating out of a can with just a knife... and then we walked past a vendor who was selling, among other things, SPOONS! So I stopped and asked if I could just buy one spoon and so after laying down a hefty 4 Czech crowns (15 US cents) I walked away from the market place a proud owner of a simple small spoon! Soon we were back close to Jan's home and I went for another visit and gave him this spoon...
He grabbed my hand, kissed it, thanked me and slipped the spoon into his shirt pocket. I said goodbye and walked away. I know he said he didn't need anything, but sometimes things we need are not the big things in life, but the simple things... like a spoon. I am not sure who was sent to whom yesterday! God showed me many things through my brief interaction with Jan. Even though Jan didn’t want to talk about God, my prayer is that he will find that he needs Jesus! Sometimes I don’t think we always realize what we have need of until we receive something then we realize we had need of that all along... Sort of like Salvation- most of us had no clue we were in such great need of being saved... But once we were given salvation (which cost a lot more then 4 Czech crowns) we realized and are realizing just how much we need it, how much we ARE in need of HIM!
If you ever go to Prague look for Jan- he will be sitting there probably waiting- waiting for his next meal that he can share with the pigeons, or waiting for another year to go by, or simply waiting for one more person to come and share the love of Christ with him... Jan has a great need... But we are no different at all... We are waiting just like him! We have needs just like he has! And we each need Jesus just as much as my new friend, Jan, needs Jesus! God has the same love to give to each of us! May we go on in His love! What are we waiting for?

History

2005-06-19T13:28:00.000+02:00

Historyweekend_pots
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

This weekend in Plzen has been a History weekend, the streets are full of people going to different events in the center. There are numerous concerts, cultural dances, historical reenactments, sword fighting and many products both old and new for sale! Unlike most weekends here in Plzen when the streets are empty and you have your choice of bench to sit and rest on, this weekend the streets are packed and every bench taken with people celebrating the past.
I don't know really how much anybody is really celebrating the History as much as they are just using this time to get together and celebrate! Whatever the case it is a reminder for me to not forget the past. There is so much that we can learn from the past, from those who have walked before us! Here in Czech they have a long history and a very rich history at that! The dominating powers that came in a took over for the last couple of centuries, are not all that lie in Czech History. Some of the richest history that they posses is the Moravian Brethren movement. A group of solid believers who took off and went into the whole world with the Gospel. WHY? Not because they were devoted to the cause of seeing the name of Jesus proclaimed around the world, but because they were devoted to Jesus. This is a history we would love to see repeat itself! And it is good to remember on a weekend like this weekend that History is really something that we create today, the good and the bad. Today will soon be over but will forever be edged in History... WHAT WILL OUR HISTORY LOOK LIKE? Will we leave a history that should be repeated? Maybe we should go for that, and like the Moravian Brethren just be more concerned with being devoted to Jesus then to any cause!

New Beginnings!

2005-06-01T10:07:00.000+02:00

Seeds
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

It’s that time of the year again- I’m not talking about summer vacation or even the end of school. It’s allergy season again!!! And even though I am sneezing and have itchy eyes, it is a small price to pay to have been able to enjoy the flowers and the trees and watching new life come! And I know that without this season we could not keep on enjoying new flowers and new trees and their coming to life. I was in the mountains of Romania this past week for a conference! It was such a beautiful time there, surrounded by the mountains! But the dandelions which were dying taught me maybe the most and I am just realizing it now! Dandelions are not always welcome and to someone like me who struggles with allergies they don’t help so much... But what a great picture they are to me! They spring up and then each flower turns itself to a seed which then is carried by the wind sometimes miles away until it is rooted in the ground and begins the life process again! But before the wind can take it, the flower must die- the seed must be dead! Only then can it grow and continue on in the multiplication process! The dandelions taught me that I, like them, must become a seed. It is not enough to stay a flower for myself. I must die so that more life will come. Though the death I am talking about is not a physical death, but rather a death to my own ideas, even good ideas, and letting God become the wind which will pick me up and plant me where He wants me! So that I can grow up into a flower which will again die and again spread life! This spreading of new life is a way of new beginnings. Maybe the seeds of the dandelion are spread miles away and maybe they fall just beside the place they were... Whichever the case a new beginning happens! And I am finding myself in that place of new beginnings. The place where I am dying daily to myself and being planted so I can again grow! And what is great is that like the dandelion- who can’t blow it’s own seeds but has to wait for the wind... I am and have been waiting for the breath of God to come and blow and do the spreading! And that season is here! God is spreading me and I put my trust and hope in Him to ground me and do the growing so that I can again be blown and fall to the ground and die for the sake of more life! His life! May we multiply like the dandelion and spread His life through the fields that need a splash of Life! In the words of Peter Pan “To die will be an awfully big adventure.” -James M. Barrie
"... The seed you put in the ground must die before it can come to life."(1 Corinthians 15:36)

NIKO IS OVER?

2005-05-15T12:41:00.000+02:00

NIKO2005
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

NIKO IS OVER! Or is it? I think the end of the NIKO is just the time where most of the learning begins! So many things are experienced on a NIKO: being wet, being hungry, being tired and sore, being frustrated, being happy, being confused, there are moments of joy and pain, moments of realization of yourself, moments of getting closer to God and moments of growing as a team and the list goes on! Challenges are faced together as a team and they are overcome! And then suddenly just as quickly as the NIKO started it is finished! Life is re-entered and one is faced with the biggest challenge of all: To not settle back into life the way it has been, but to rise to the challenge to live today surrendered to God, giving up all our rights to Jesus... To live today in the realization that WE are just part of the bigger picture- we are a part of the body of Christ and we are to live and work as a unit, as a Team... To live today as servants, truly giving of ourselves to serve others and ultimately to serve our King because we are sure of who we are in Him!... To live today in celebration of how far God has taken us and how He has blessed us along the way! This is where NIKO, I think, begins! The challenge to really LIVE... To conquer and to overcome the challenges we are sure to face today and to do it together! So even though the first NIKO in the Czech Republic has ended, I believe the greatest challenge has now been handed to us... To LIVE!

The Final Farewell

2005-04-12T22:28:00.000+02:00

one last look
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

It's strange how seeing something for the last time can be like seeing something for the first time all over again! This past Saturday I had the privilege and great honor of going one last time to the refugee camp that we have been going to for 5 years. This trip was one I was eager to make but knew that it would be extremely emotional. On the way to the camp we passed through the same villages that we have passed through every month for some time now, but this time not knowing if we would ever pass through them again. The refugee camp is being closed, and the remaining residents are being sent to other camps in the Czech Republic. As we pulled into the camp, immediately faces of so many people that I have met through the years started flashing before my eyes. Conversations had were being replayed in my head, and moments of joy and deep sorrow were being remembered in my heart. In these last 5 years I have met people from around the world- people I will not soon forget! Some people I have only met once but still I have a picture of them in my mind and on my heart. Others I have met time and time again and can call them friends. But still others I have watched grow up; had coffee and tea and sweets with them; I have held their hands; I have wiped their tears; I have laughed deeply in their rooms; and I have hugged often. These have become my family. So this trip was more then just an Easter program for the kids. It was, for me, one more time to simply open my heart and let them sink down deeper and it was a time to reflect, AGAIN, God's love to them. And in a way it was saying goodbye to family! But the good thing about family is that they are never too far away to visit! My prayer is that God will cross our paths and bring us the joy of once again laughing together, maybe in this world- I would love that... But my HOPE goes much deeper than that! Heaven always has room for more laughter! Amen!
As we pulled away, after being able to visit every family and distribute socks to each refugee, I realized an other chapter in my life's book was ending. This chapter has taken the last 5 years to write, and even though I turn the page and am eager to read and walk through the pages of what is ahead of me... I know deep within that these people... faces... names... friends... these MY FAMILY will be with me as the next chapters are scribbled down. I have learned countless lessons in that camp and am different today because of it. With one last look, we pulled away and gave our 'Final Farewell' to Cerveny Ujezd. We can't say that we will ever be back there, but we are sure to go on... On with His love to new places and wherever we end up reflecting His love- we will hope for more faces to again become OUR FAMILY!

First Day of Spring & Palm Sunday!

2005-03-20T12:27:00.000+01:00

Flower
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

I know, I know! It has been a while since I last posted anything! Sorry for that, but thanks for noticing!
Spring is here! The sun is shining the coats are being shed and the days are getting longer! Wonderful!
Today is the first day of spring and I am so glad that it looks and feels like spring out there, otherwise it would be hard to believe that Spring is already here. And with the coming of Spring comes the time of year, again, when we focus on LIFE! And this being Palm Sunday, I am so glad that we can focus on the Living King of Kings! We are surrounded by Life- Life that He, our King, chose to give us! May we seize today, and tomorrow if it comes, and Live out the TRUE life He died and conquered death to give us! One day at a time... Lets keep living; Lets keep loving!

"We are here to love. And the enemy of love is self-consciousness. -Tom Jackson

Good Bye Winter!

2005-03-20T12:03:00.000+01:00

Liberec
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to the mountains in the North of Czech. I hadn't seen that much snow the entire winter put together! It was beautiful and a good way to say good bye to the winter!

Congratulations!

2005-02-16T22:37:00.000+01:00

James & Julia
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Let me introduce you to the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. James Hathaway! On the 12th of February 2005 James asked Julia (my roommate now for the last nearly 3 years) to marry him... And she said YES!!!! So we have had some super exciting news over here in Czech! This marriage will be more than a union of two people and two hearts- it will be a union of two nations as well! James is an American, and Julia a Russian born and raised in Kazakhstan! Whether you believe that God has one perfect match for you or that there can be many perfect matches... It is easy to see that God brought these two together and that He is in the center of their relationship! I could not be more happy for them, and wanted to show them off to you! I will be losing the best roommate I could ask for, but will be gaining a pretty amazing brother! Pretty good deal! And it is just one more place I know I will always be welcomed no matter where they end up living!!! It is great to have such good friends and be around for the beginning of their lives together! May they truly enjoy their journey together as much as their destination!

The rolling Galloway Hills of Scotland

2005-01-31T23:05:00.000+01:00

Scotland
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

One great part about being able to take part on a NIKO in Scotland was that it was just so pretty! I am not sure I have ever seen such green everywhere! This picture makes it look like summer, but let me remind you it was NOT summer and was very cold and wet! But still somehow my heart always seemed to find something to thank God for, and often it was just what I was looking at, from the rolling Galloway Hills to the faces of the people I was with! And I learned again that there is always something to be thankful for- even when my feet are wet and cold for the 3rd day straight!

NIKO: to conquer, to overcome

2005-01-31T22:46:00.000+01:00

My NIKO team
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Well, I survived! Two weeks ago I went to Scotland where I staffed a NIKO. NIKO is Greek for: to conquer, to overcome; and that is just what happened. The NIKO is 4 1/2 days or so of intense teambuilding, surrendering rights, and servant hood- which is experienced in an extreme way of being in the great outdoors and facing different challenges! These challenges take place in all spheres of our lives: physical (as there is a lot of physical challenges and lots of hiking and things like that), mental & emotional (many things to overcome inside), and spiritual (we are challenged to go deeper in our relationships with God, both on an individual level and as the body of Christ). These 4 1/2 days feel much longer then they are, but are such an amazing time of growing and stretching and learning; we leave changed, even as staff!
This picture is of the team I was, what we call, a shadow for. We were with this group nearly all the time and had many great conversations and we learned together- and most of all we had so much fun doing all of it together! We were an international team (even our small part of the larger group)- we were from America (Me), Scotland, South Africa, New Zealand, and England and then my shadow partner (fellow staff) who was from Sweden!
I hope to share more in a later entry, but God's hand of protection was with us and we were kept safe through all the challenges and were kept safe in spite of the rain and cold temperatures, snow, sleet, and hail that also visited us, as well as high winds that seemed to plow over many big trees! God took people from many backgrounds and many places and joined our hearts together for this time and managed to catch our attention in many ways! He showed us more of Himself... or maybe we were just looking for Him more and found Him out there on the rolling, boggy, hills of Scotland!

On the Trail

2005-01-14T04:25:00.000+01:00

Along the Trail
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

The weather has been so strange these days- all around the world! From the tsunami in Asia to the severe wind, snow and ice storms in Scandinavia to the unusually warm temperatures here in the Czech Republic! It is good to remember that God is still in control, and that though things may seem strange they have always been this way in one way or another. I read a quote the other day about how we are just living in ordinary times- that people all through history have had these same thoughts and these feelings that we are having these days... 'the end must be closer'... 'Jesus must be coming back soon'... 'why is there so much suffering in the world today?'... all these thoughts and questions have been asked before probably by your grandparents and their parents before them. That is why I tend to agree that we are living in ordinary times- but at the same time we are living in Holy times! This same author of the quote also said that we are living in Holy times- in fact she says: "There never was a more holy time than ours, and never a less." I like that as well! Anyway, I say all of that to simply say, lets not lose hope or just stare at the sky, waiting for the clouds to part... when they part we will know it and all our questions will be answered- but until then lets keep at this 'ordinary' life- daring to live life as He intended us to live it- to the fullest! He has given us abundant life- we just have to live it!
Well, I wasn't planning on writing all of that, just sort of came out but what I did want to write was that because the weather has been abnormally warm these days it has enabled me to get back out on the trail and start running again! I love this time of the day, when I am out there running! For me it is a time that I get to spend with God and because I am running and out of breath it gives God time to speak to me without me butting in! And though sometimes it feels like I am not thinking about anything but the sound of my own foot steps as they hit the ground... I know that He is speaking things to my heart that I will discover later! And so I find comfort out there on the trail- I find strength to keep going- I meet Him out there! And find myself thinking and praying for others much more than myself! It's a real gift that God has given me these days to just find time to run, get in shape, but just to spend time with Him! He is God over everything! Including this wandering heart of mine!

Good bye 2004... Hello 2005

2004-12-31T22:17:00.000+01:00

Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Well, it's hard to believe but we have made it to another year! 2005 is here, nearly here! I think 2004 was a very full year many things happened both good and the not so good! This time of the year is always such an interesting time of the year for me. Part of me thinks back over the previous year all the things I was able to do, all the places I was able to go, and all the relationships formed- and my heart is filled with thanks and a smile comes to my face! Part of me also thinks back to the things I failed to do, the places still not gotten to, and the relationships I have failed in or neglected to start... and I could frown on that- but then I remember 2004 is over and 2005 is here and there is a deep hope that comes with 2005 a hope that is grounded in Jesus! This hope is Jesus with me for every choice, for every move, for every country visited, and the hope of Jesus being at the very core of every relationship! It's a new start a fresh beginning- with the past to help guide me but my gaze is forward into this next year!
Some people this time of the year set for themselves New Years Resolutions maybe that is good for some people and if you have made them- by all means good luck with it! But this year I was thinking about a resolution of a different sort. I have been thinking very much about a verse in the Bible: Luke 1:33 an old Moravian version says this... "HIS KINGDOM SHALL HAVE NO FRONTIER." What an amazing version! This just screams resolution (a firm decision to do something, firmness of mind or purpose) on God's part! And so I find myself wanting this more and more myself! That His kingdom really will have no frontier- there will be no boarder left uncrossed, whether that is a boarder on a map, or a boarder in a relationship... that there will be no place that we could still call "Frontier" at the end of this year! Is that a big goal? is that a huge resolution? You better believe it! Is it only for some to take part in? Never! I really believe this is a resolution that we as the Church must take as our own- right from God's hand and make it our own! And resolve in our hearts that His Kingdom SHALL have no frontier! And if we fail in 2005 then we just hope for a 2006 to roll around so we can keep at it! His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven and may it have NO frontier!!! Happy New Year- celebrate hard and long and far! There is something or should I say someone worth celebrating!

Merry Christmas

2004-12-24T12:53:00.000+01:00

My tree
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

It's Christmas! Today Czechs celebrate Christmas! So in just a little bit we will head down to the square for a celebration- a concert and we will pass out hot drinks! And one special thing that I really enjoy here is that in the main cathedral they have a candle that has been lit from a light from Bethlehem and people go and light their candles there and carry them home! It is a neat way to remember where celebrating Christmas got it's start! Even in this very secular nation some how there are still reminders of Jesus! And my thoughts are there at the beginning this year. I find myself kneeling a little lower with the shepherds and the animals and I find I am staring a bit longer at the face of my King! And I am truly thankful for Him and the way that He came to ME exactly where I am at today! May we all realize He is with us just where we are today! Merry Christmas!

The Journey

2004-12-20T10:24:00.000+01:00

Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back-
It will cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perhaps, Faith's light is dim, because oil is low,
Your call will guid my lagging course as wearily I go.
Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back and say He kept you when forest's roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill.
He bore you up and held where the lofty air was still.
O friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your face;
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet sprint the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky-
If you have gone a little way ahead, O friend, call back-
It will cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.
-L.B. Cowman

White Christmas at the Refugee Camp

2004-12-18T22:38:00.000+01:00

White Christmas at the Refugee Camp
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Last night I watched the movie "White Christmas" one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies! Here in Plzen we have had either rainy days, or just plain cold days but not much snow. I was thinking last night, while watching the movie, that it would be nice to have a white Christmas this year... well today my dream came true! I know Christmas is still a week away, but today we were able to take Christmas to the refugee camp! And because the camp is out in the middle of nowhere- north of Plzen, we had a white Christmas today- they had snow on the ground and all the trees were blanketed! It was beautiful driving into the camp! And what was even more beautiful was that we were able to go and take so many gifts to the children of the camp! The joy on their faces was amazing! They were so excited! And the parents were genuinly grateful! We threw a party- coffee, tea, a band had a concert, and we passed out gifts to all of the kids there! What a blessing- and what a more true picture of Christmas... sharing Christ's love with those that feel forgotten and misplaced! Hope Christ's love is also at the very core of your Christmas season!

Street Boy

2004-12-15T12:30:00.000+01:00

Street Boy
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

We were able to visit a street boys center and this is just one of the many boys from there! It is a place where the boys can go and find love, and rest from begging on the streets! Also they can take showers and eat. They were fun to hang out with!

Door

2004-12-15T12:24:00.000+01:00

Door
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

It was amazing... we would look out over the landscape of Mauritania and see sand and dry ground and mud or stone built houses and tents- pretty much all the same color! But there would be a splash of color- blue- doors sometimes even more brightly painted this would stand out from among the sand/ brown color dominance! It was beautiful!

Ocean

2004-12-15T00:30:00.000+01:00

Ocean
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

It was such a wonderful moment when I could stick my toes in the waters of this side of the Atlantic Ocean! I looked out and I knew that somewhere over there was America! The Sun set was amazing over the water! And the sound of the waves... it was a great early Christmas gift from God!

Desert

2004-12-15T00:21:00.000+01:00

Desert
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

This was taken from the land rover window on our way out to the interior of Mauritania. It was a long trip, but was the first time I saw a land rover being used for the purpose that they were created! The beauty can never be captured in a photo of what we saw out there in the sand!

Village Girl

2004-12-14T15:10:00.000+01:00

DSCF0097
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

Isn't she beautiful!

Man in the Market

2004-12-14T15:04:00.000+01:00

DSCF0010_2
Originally uploaded by Nikocrash.

I baught a big wooden bowl from this man- I didn't want a big wooden bowl! But look at him- I couldn't resist!

Back From Africa

2004-12-14T14:17:00.000+01:00

I have fallen in love again! My first love is and will always be Czech, but out of all the countries I have been to since first coming to Czech in 1996- this is the first country that has totally caputured my heart! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to go and see Mauritania and meet the people of the beautiful land! I would write so much about it all- and I hope to put up some more details during Christmas vacation! I really want to share more, but for now I will just upload some pictures for you to see while you await more text! (more of my ramblings!)
Thanks for your prayers and concern! I still need them!
Hope you have a Merry Christmas where ever you find yourself this season! Remember Jesus found the Shepeherds out on the hill and led them to a very familiar place, and He caught the attention of the wise men with the new star that they followed through palaces and to the feet of their King... and Jesus finds us right where we are today and doesn't ask us to change- but after meeting with Jesus there is no way that we can be left unchanged! Enjoy His grace, truth, peace, joy, hope, and love this holiday season!

20 days and counting...

2004-11-08T06:04:00.000+01:00

Well, it is hard to believe that in 20 days I will be leaving for Africa. I can still remember singing that song when I was little... "Please don't send me to Africa" and I can remember really praying that when I sang it. But I also remember meeting a lady who gave her life to Africa and I thought maybe it isn't so bad after all. And now I am just 20 days away from leaving and having this dream/nightmare come true. I am quite excited about it. I got my visa without much trouble and tomorrow the ticket will be purchased. I don't know what all is in store these next 20 days let alone my time in Africa- but I do know very clearly tonight that Immanuel is exactly who He says He is!!! So I find security in the midst of being insecure, and I find peace in the midst of caos, and I find my hand in His and some how strength is found to tackle another day or at least the next minute! Maybe I will actually get back here before the 20 days are up, and record some of what I have been going through! Enjoy Him!

What's New?

2004-10-21T15:57:00.000+02:00

Well, because I don't have enough things to do... I thought I would try out a simple and FREE Web site so people could maybe keep up with me! Maybe this way I can 'keep up with me' as well! Keep checking in as I have time and energy there will be more and more things added here!