Looking Back at 2013

 

Here is my last blog post regarding resolutions:

2011: Resolutions for the Upcoming Year

I do not really make resolutions every year, at least as a habit. I find that life can change a lot, so goals need to be flexible; yet, we must have some purpose or focus lest our life become meaningless and monotonous, day by day with no reason or clarity.

2013 has been a great and insane year for me. I went from being a second year chaplain resident to being a staff chaplain. I went from being two hundred and ninety-five pounds to two hundred and twenty-five this past October (making my total weight loss since Feb. 2012 one-hundred pounds). I moved from Lubbock, TX to Buffalo, NY. I went from having a good support system and then having to start all over again.

I came to Buffalo with my car packed as full as I could get, leaving beds and chairs behind. I mailed my books, made sure to keep my computer, DVD's, and my guitar. I sold all my furniture. I drove over 1,500 miles by myself over the course of an entire week, driving through horrible rainy weather, and staying in hotels all by myself (Thank goodness for my GPS and Kindle Fire!).

I am not saying these things to induce any form of pity; instead I say them to express my strength. A strength I did not know that I ever had before this time. I never imagined I would move so far, that I would accomplish so much, and that I would do it all on my own. Certainly, I had friends help me, but once I left Texas I was all by myself, except for updating everyone through Facebook and blog posts.

As I have been here I have gone back and forth between feeling accomplished, while at the same time having feelings of aloneness, seeking community. Yes, I have my hard days when the distance between my family and friends in Texas and this place does weigh on me.

I did accomplish losing one-hundred pounds. While I am still so excited, the last two months since I met that goal have been grueling. Sometimes I just crave food, while other times because of the wintery weather, I cannot workout. Still, I have stayed strong and haven’t gained back. If I can just resist pizza more often and stick to eating more veggies and fruits, I know I can get to my next goal of weighing two hundred pounds.

Losing that weight though, made me reexamine my life, forced me to look at things that I thought were impossible in my life and begin to start taking steps forward. One of the areas I have been neglecting for years was having a daily time of reading the scriptures. I am happy to say that in November I started and have not missed one day since.

To some that might not seem like a victory; however, considering I haven’t had consistent times reading the scriptures like this since I was in middle school, I'd say that is an improvement! I find I am more focused and beginning to be more purposeful, seeking ways I can be involved in my growth, instead of just letting life pass me by day by day.

I am also currently working on my paperwork for Board Certification as a Chaplain. This is amazing, since in 2011 I was seeking if this is what I wanted to do with my life. Here I am now, working on being certified and loving what I do everyday; visiting patients, family, and staff.

My only ongoing request as I am here, and into 2014, is that God provide me with good friends here in this place. Friends who love life, have a sense of humor, and don’t mind speaking about the serious aspects of life. Friendship is so important and those who have lived in one place, who have had great friends all their life, cannot really understand what it feels like to move so far from everyone and everything you have ever known.

I also found a church after months of searching. It is hard to express in words; yet I do find that when I go to church, I truly do feel in community with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Truly the church is one spirit, the spirit of love, community, and faith founded and focused on Christ Jesus. Church, in every place I have moved to in my life, has helped me find solace during confusing and trying times.

I ask prayer for relationships to happen, deepen, and grow.

So, here is to 2014.

It is coming... are you ready?

Are you ready for something new and different?

Are you ready to cut out the past, the hurt, the old feelings or pain and start anew?

How did you life change in 2013?

What will you be changing or looking forward to in 2014?

~ Daniel Brockhan

Image Source: 1

Plank Eye Syndrome

There is a serious syndrome in our churches, among the people who claim to be followers of Jesus the Christ. This syndrome leads to judgment, bitterness, hatred, malice, gossip, smugness, and all other manner of ill feelings towards others inside, and outside, of the church. How did so many of us get here?

I think somewhere among the verses speaking of being above reproach (1 Tim. 1:3:2) and trying to be perfect as Christ is perfect (MT 5:48), that we as Christians have forgotten that perfection is actually not possible. Why? Because even in the midst of the spirit of God inside of us, we are still very much persons of flesh, having a sinful nature still with us at this present time.

Have we so very soon forgotten that we too were once without Christ, each one of us, at some point was left to our own devices, our own sinful nature. We made a choice to follow Christ; however, the choice to follow does not mean we will not falter, that we will make incorrect decisions, assumptions, and judgments on others (and regarding ourselves).

There is a great divide between those who want to be conservative and hold firm to traditions and beliefs, while others cry out for freedom and liberation from all the rules, institutions, and chains they feel are causing them heavy burdens. As Christians, we forget that we no longer have to be bound by the things of this world, that we are now part of a different Kingdom where the lines are not drawn so plainly, except for the arrows pointing us in the direction of Christ, to seek his life, teaching, and pursue him first and foremost, beyond political parties and beyond judgments.

We forget that even Jesus let people walk away from him, like the rich young ruler (MT 19:16-22) or nine of ten men with leprosy (LK 17:11-19). Not to mention, that even the scripture of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), we see Jesus tell her to sin no more, and then we are left with no resolve. What happened to her? Did she change? Did she stay the same? I think we are left with questions because Christ is asking us:

Have you changed?

Have you stayed the same?

What difference have I made or am I making in your life?

Notice Jesus is asking us these questions. Asking you the question. Jesus is not telling us that we need to monitor everyone else, to make sure they are above reproach, staying pure, out of sin, and in line with everything we think, say, or do. No, instead Christ holds us accountable to him, to our own understanding and convictions.

With this understanding, we come to see that Jesus never once made anyone follow him. Jesus never once belittled someone for choosing something else, though perhaps he did feel sadness when they turned away. He respected their view, their choice to chose, figure out things out on their journey, and in their own time.

In addition, it was not the sinners or sick who Jesus had stern words for but the religious, those who seemed to find pride in obsessing with rules and oppressing others with religion and institution while forgetting the heart for God, pursuing God, and loving their neighbor as themselves (MT 22:34-40). And so in Matthew 7, we read this story:

 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. - Matthew 7:1-5

Today, are you seeing your life clearly?

Do you find yourself judging others while neglecting your own issues and faults?

What are some things you might need to work on?

Where is God convicting you today?

~ Daniel Brockhan

Celebrating 100 Pounds Lost: Part 3

Part 1: Here

Part 2: Here

Part Three
Admittedly, since I started this three-part series I have stayed around 225. Some of it had to do with me being sick and I think some of it was being tired. Not giving into all those cravings and exercising so much does start to take its toll on your body. I was also reading online that at certain weights your body will plateau, but this is also your body adjusting to a new weight. You will not be forever stuck.

Still, I have been working out most weeks at least three times the last month, except this week because I pulled my shoulder/upper back. I also have to come clean and admit I had pizza last night. I gave in but today for lunch I just had some oatmeal and a Slim-fast. I guess that is the way it works, when you fall you cannot just see it as a complete failure, get depressed, and quit; but to always get back up again and try to do and be better. Then, over time you can do something quite insane sounding and lose one-hundred pounds. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around that number and the reality.

And I still have a ways to go....
So next week I am starting afresh, getting back on track.

My next goal weight is now 200!

Here is Part 3 of my video,
followed by my progression in food and exercise (for those who are interested).

Video: Part 3


Food Progression:
Original:
Sand-witches, Hot Pockets, Pop-Tarts, Chips, Whole Milk, Soda (Twice a Day).

First Progression:
Lean Pockets, Wheat Bread, 2% Milk, Soda (Once a day)

Second Progression:
Frozen Processed Chicken, Grain/Flat Bread, No Chips
Pinto Beans, Peas
Processed (Sliced Cheese) to Block Cheese
Eating Apples and Bananas.
Slim-fast (Weight Loss Shake)

Third Progression:
Baked Chicken/Lean Ground Beef
No Bread, No Milk/Cheese
Light Yogurt, Green Beans, Soda (Once a week)
Slim-fast (Weight Loss Shake)
Fruit Smoothies (Orange; Strawberry). - Can Add Kale
Cooking my own Soups and Chili's (Lean or No Meat). - Can Add Kale

Current Snacks:
Light Yogurt
Saltine Crackers
Pretzel Sticks
Apples
Bananas
Raisins (Regular and Yogurt Covered)
Peanuts (Sometimes Cashews)
Cinnamon and Peppermint Hard Candy

Exercise Progression:
Original:
None/Minimal Racquetball

First Progression:
2 Days a Week Cardio for 30 Minutes
Treadmill

Second Progression:
3 Days a Week Cardio for 45 Minutes
Treadmill

Third Progression:
4 Days a Week Cardio for 1 Hours
    *Treadmill & Racquetball

Fourth Progression:
4 Days a Week Cardio for 1.5-2 Hours
    *1 of 4 Days do strength training, included in overall time

Fifth Progression (Drastic Change in Diet to include Fruit/Veggies):
4 Days a week working out for 1-1.5 hours
    *2 Days Cardio (Elliptical - one hour)
    *2 Days Strength (Set, 30 minutes on Rower, Set, 30 Minutes on Rower, Final set)

Hope this helps!
Keep trying to be healthy!
Never give up!

The journey continues...

~ Daniel Brockhan

Celebrating 100 Pounds Lost: Part 2

Ok, well here is the second part of this blog series, for the first click here. Below is the video for this week and also some pictures that show the difference over time as I have lost weight.

Admittedly, I was quite stunned when I put these pictures side by side because I can see the improvements so much more than I do just looking in the mirror. I have next weeks video almost edited and will be posting things I have eaten and am currently eating. Until then, enjoy!

Video:


Pictures:

Blessings,
Daniel Brockhan

Celebrating 100 Pounds Lost: Part 1

20 Months
Feb. 2012: 325 Lbs
Nov. 2012: 295 Lbs (Goal Met 300)
May  2013: 255 Lbs (Goal Met 275 and 250)
Oct. 2013: 225 Lbs (Goal Met 225/100 Pounds!)

Wow, 100 Lbs... One Hundred Pounds. I am actually surprised I have come this far and in much less time than I would have thought, especially at the beginning. It has been a great journey and over the next few weeks I will be releasing a couple of other blogs in celebration of this achievement (I just have too much for one blog).

So, this week I am sending out Part 1 of my video (VBlog, see below) celebrating this loss and also some pictures as well. In the next few weeks I will be putting out additional parts of the video, more pictures of the changes, and (for those interested)I will also write out how I have progressed in eating, exercise, and what both look like today compared to when I started this whole think in February 2012. So, welcome to my journey and celebration of weight loss (and still another big goal to come as I get to my final desired goal weight).

So, here we go...

Have you ever been an a journey or weight loss?
What happened? What helped? What hurt?
What changes did you/have you made?

More to come...

~ Daniel Brockhan

Related Links:
http://daniel-brockhan.blogspot.com/2013/03/weight-loss-self-denial-and-deeper.html
http://daniel-brockhan.blogspot.com/2013/04/weight-pics-though-years.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/science-and-sensibility/201101/no-diet-weight-loss
http://www.weight-dieting.org/
http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2010/09/23/3019673.htm

Where Is God Found: In the Mundane or the Extraordinary?

The other day I was reading a blog by one of my friends from college. His blog, found here, was about prayer. His blog got me thinking about prayer and how many times I think we feel when one prays it must be very eloquent and spiritual. Despite scriptures like Luke 18:9-14, in which the sinner's prayer trumps the Pharisee because of his humbleness and heart.

Perhaps we have come to think of prayer in such a manner because we grew up hearing the same prayers every Sunday or maybe because we hear intense prayers during times when we are emotional during worship. Still, perhaps it is because we hear "celebrity preachers" speak with such enthusiasm, eloquence, and passion we feel we just simply do not and cannot measure up.

As a Chaplain I offer numerous prayers every week over the intercom and to individuals, families, and staff. I admit, sometimes these prayers seem rote, rehearsed, and even mundane. The reality is I just cannot find a way to come up with so many different prayers for so many different individuals. However, I think God hears my heart as I pray for each patient by name, speak to why they are in the hospital, and the rest of my prayer is pretty repetitive.

But repetitive for whom? Yes, for me I hear mostly the same prayers but for those whom I am praying, they hear someone coming alongside them, lifting them up, and gathering two or more individuals into a sacred moment, a moment in which we become aware of God's presence in the room and in our lives.

I do not think prayer is the only area in which we have this problem. I believe in missions many people see going to other countries for a week to six months as a strong test of faith, while handing out food to the poor week after week gets little, if any, notice in the local church. I am not suggesting God isn't present when people go overseas, instead, I am suggesting God is present in both the extraordinary and mundane, the awesome and the simple, the overseas missionary and the local one.

Take a look at what we have in scripture. In the Old Testament in 1 Kings 19:11-13:

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Why is God in the whisper? Why is humanity made from the breath of God and dirt (Gen. 2:7)? There seems to be a connection, a time in which God is in the simple, the regular; yet God is in the extraordinary as well. In the Old Testament God is also awe-some many times in the book of Exodus. There is a bush on fire that is never consumed, the ten plagues, a river that runs dry for the Hebrews and then overflows, and a pillar of fire or a cloud that lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and toward the promised land.

We see this in the New Testament in the person of Jesus as well. Who is this man who is born in a manger (LK 2:6-7, 16), a feeding trough for animals; yet later is transfigured next to Moses and Elijah (MT 17:1-13)? Let us not forget at his birth were both the shepherds and wise men (LK 2:8-16; MT 2:1-12). Here is the perfect image, that Jesus brings those who are high and low to him, working in those who seem extraordinary and those who seem mundane and forgotten.

In the Kingdom of God we speak often of these hilltop experiences and then speak negatively of the low experiences, the valleys. Are the valleys a lack of faith or are they also true faith, when we worship God because of who he is and not because of what we feel? Do we only praise God because we get a tingle from a prayer, worship song, or other experience?

What we need is a more well-rounded understanding like Job (1:20-21).

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

 Today, may you see God in the extraordinary and in the mundane.

~ Daniel Brockhan

Family Life: A Spiritual Discipline?

For the last few years I have been working through a mammoth of a book called "Family Ministry" by Diana Garland. The book is very thought-provoking and is 600 pages long.

In her book, Garland stated that in Christendom past people began to consider the Monastic lifestyle as spiritual. This lifestyle consisted of solitude, reading of scripture, prayer, and a pulling way (from society, from our wants and needs, self-denial, etc.). Garland suggests that in our busy lifestyle, the church is doing a disservice to its members when they make them feel guilty about their spirituality (or rather lack of “involvement” in their spirituality or in the church).

I agree with Garland. As a youth I was very involved in church but I did not have a lot on my plate, but I find as I grow older I do not spend as much time in intentional solitude, prayer, and scripture reading as I did in the past.

Garland suggested that family life in and of itself is a spiritual discipline, because one has to reorder their life, make sacrifices, all the while trying to become and help others become more like Christ. Therefore, instead of growing and maturing spiritually through solitude, families do it through their actions and interactions with their families and with others.

I added the "with others" there. My one critique of Garland is that while she states between 25% to 33% of the church are single (in some form); she still tends to uses the word family. This is not “bad”, but some, like me, do not have a family of their own. They are the single. For them, friendships and church becomes their family, not a replacement of their biological family (though that may be) but a intermediary family when they are far from home or miss that feeling of home.

I would counter that as much as family is a spiritual disciple, so is being single. Though I desire to have a wife and kids, my priority is Christ. I feel in many ways that while others learn and grow spiritually in family, singles learn and grow in isolation, it makes us know Christ in his own suffering of being single, having his disciples being his community, his family away from his parents. It makes me think how others must have thought of Jesus, a grown man with no wife or children of his own. What is wrong with him? Why can't he find anyone?

I believe being single has made me in-tune with those who are outcaste, not the norm, and instead of trying to change them, I accept them. I want to know who they are, to be invited into their story, into their life, with all its ebb and flow. I do not connect with them to suggest they should be something else but rather to connect with them on a deeper level.

People suggest that only those who are married or have children know unconditional love, but that is not true. I have friendships so deep I would lay down my life for them, I weep when they weep. I smile when they smile. I feel them even when they are far away, even when we lose touch. I have brothers and sisters in Christ, and no time or distance separates me from them, for that bond is eternally unbreakable.

So my suggestion is that instead of family as a spiritual discipline or single as a spiritual disciple, that we use the term community as a spiritual discipline, for as we know one another, as we get close and interact, as we cry, shedding tears or as we laugh, shedding smiles... we mature and grow closer to Christ Jesus.

As iron sharpens iron,

So one person sharpens another.

-Proverbs 27:17

~ Daniel Brockhan

Weight (Pics) Though the Years

Some people have been curious to see pictures of my weight through the years (and recent weight loss), from where I was to where I am. Blessings to each of you, especially those on a similar journey to lose weight, exercise, and eat healthier.

Also see:
Weight Loss, Self-Denial, and Deeper Spirituality

I am going to add to this and update it later as I continue to progress (Last Updated: April 2013).

2001:























2004:

2005:

2006:

2007:

2008:

2009:

2012: Weight 325-295

2013: Weight 295-262

More to Come!

~ Daniel Brockhan

Willing to Move Far: Surprising Others, Surprising Myself

I think many people, family and colleagues, have been surprised by my willingness to interview and potentially move from Texas to places like California or New York. Don't you want to stay in Texas? I hear them say. I don't really know how to answer that question. It seems like right now in my life, what I want geographically just does not matter. Sure, I would like to stay in Texas.. but even staying in Texas does not guarantee I will stay by family or good friends.

In fact, as much as I don’t mind being in Lubbock, my closest friends here have been my co-workers, who have been deep friends with me in my ministry last year and this year. I have found friendships at church as well, but unlike in Houston, Marshall, or Abilene, so far no best friends have surfaced. And the amazing thing is I survived my move here from Abilene to Lubbock... and I have grown so much. I am farther from friends and family than I have ever been. It was hard. But I have grown leaps and bounds, for the better.

Actually, for a while I did plan on just staying in Texas, and who knows, I might still. Until I get a job, not just interviews, it is really all up in the air. But yes, at first thinking of moving so far was difficult for me, but the thought of staying and taking some job that did not fulfill me really worried me. Before I came to Lubbock I worked two jobs, about 55-60 hours per week and made basically nothing. I was wearing myself out to survive and was barely able to pay bills. If I can avoid that, I will do it at all costs.

I would also really like to pay off as many of my student loans in the next 5-10 years as possible. I am fine living simplistic. I really enjoy renting and being single helps. I have no problem with living the way I have so I may actually be able to pay off all my student loan debt (with a better paying and professional ministry job) in those 5-10 years.

However, not all of this is financial; some of it is intellectual and spiritual. Intellectually, when I was working retail, I knew everyday I was not using my gifts and talents. I did learn how the other side lives and it did afford me the opportunity to meet different people who were not in my "Christian Bubble"; however, I longed so deeply to do ministry. I long for that now. I long for it more than staying in Texas.

Lastly, I think of Abraham, who moved to a foreign land, far away from what he knew. It was what was needed at the time. Moving far away may be what I need. People ask me: How will you know it is God's will? I think of God's will as generally open and sometimes specific, which means as a Christian I am compassionate towards others, as an religious professional I seek out all open and potential doors to serve, and as a person, that God wants good things for me, but I must also do some work. And yet, somehow, after I have moved or gone through a time of trial, in hindsight, I am often able to see God's plan unfolding, but I do not think God articulates and plans every second of our life beforehand. I think God is with us, guiding us, rejoicing and mourning with us through our times of triumph and struggle.

So, I suppose I have surprised some of my family and friends by being open to moving so far away... and the truth is I surprise myself too. A few years ago I would have been too stuck in fear to move so far, but moving to Lubbock and learning more about myself, I know that no matter where I am that God is with me and I will always be connected with my dear friends and family. God bless you all and prayers are appreciated. It brings me much peace facing such a change to be washed in the prayers of the saints, the prayers of my dear family and friends.

~ Daniel Brockhan

Weight Loss, Self-Denial, and Deeper Spirituality

A year ago I decided to change myself for the better, though exercising, eating healthier, and losing weight. In addition to losing fifty pounds this past year, I have begun to have a different relationship with food. I have noticed how intense some of my cravings can get, especially during times when I am bored or stressed.

I knew some people had a negative relationship with food, but I never really considered that I had that problem as well. However, in the last two weeks with multiple call backs for future employment and five job interviews, I noticed my anxiety went up and it was a lot harder to control my impulse to splurge. This made me think about how we look at food in this country. Is it something to nourish us, to help us have happy and healthy lives? Or is food more of a way for us to enjoy ourselves, to seek pleasure in the bite.

For so long I ate whatever I wanted. I was never eating a lot but the food I chose to eat was not good for me. The food I ate tasted good, so my mind and my senses were told "This taste good! Give us more of that!" This got me thinking this week about the connection between food, weight, and our spiritual life. I think sometimes we slip on the rules, not realizing the rules and boundaries of faith are not chains but ways to help us life happy and healthier lives, while also making us closer to our Creator, self, and those around us.

When we indulge in our temporary pleasure or satisfaction, which we call sin, we are not thinking long term. We are not thinking about the affects it will have on us, others, or our relationship with God. We are not thinking about how much we may regret those decisions in the future. When we indulge in sin, our flesh desires more and more, our senses and our past experiences have told us that those things taste good despite the fact those things weigh us down and burden us.

Pondering about all these things this week has made me curious: Why do we not fast more in the United States? Are you aware that in most other nations, fasting is a regular spiritual discipline for most Christians? Perhaps this speaks to our overindulgence of things here in the states. Perhaps it speaks to our overabundance which signifies our lack of simplicity. Perhaps it showcases our desire to get pleasure fast, only worrying about the present while neglecting our happiness and livelihood into the future.

Might there be things we can fast from, where even once a week or a month it could positively affect our lives? What about fasting from food, television, movies, smart phones, cell phones, or one of the many other hurried and habitual things we do in our lives, taking no time to ask why we do these things or if they are good for us.

Maybe it is time to reassess some things. Maybe that is what fasting is all about, self-denial... and in that self denial we grow to know God, others, and self in a more profound way.

Do you think America over consumes?

Do you think you over consume? How so?

What do you think about the disciple of fasting?

Have you ever fasted? If so, how and why?

Like. Share. Comment. Discuss.

~ Daniel Brockhan

Book Review: The Way by Christopher St. Clair II

The Way (The Terran Empire Series) [Kindle Edition]

Christopher St. Clair II (Author)

Kindle Edition: .99 cents or Free w/ Amazon Prime.

Paperback Edition: $14.99.

The story, from the authors own words at the conclusion of the book, is a retelling of Paul’s journey; except the setting for this is far into the future. By this time religion has been outlawed, Muslims have made an Islamic community on the outskirts of the empire and Christians, known as followers of “The Way”, are hunted down, tortured, and killed.

If you are like me, I do not normally enjoy a lot of “Christian” Fiction (Sci-Fi, mystery, etc.) because I think a lot of it leaves the grit in humanity out of the equation; however, the grit, the evil and harsh undertones are the very reasons I think humanity needs a savior. This books does a great job at both retelling Paul’s story in a futuristic space setting, looking at the grit in humanity, and also pondering the questions of why people become Christian and how are they different from others (or in what ways should they be different from others).

I give this book four out of five stars. Why not five out of five? Well, there were a few places where poor editing was noticeable; however, it was not enough to distract from the books readability. My biggest qualm with the book was that the author could have drawn it out better, creating more suspense. Despite the fact that this is a retelling of Paul, the reader does not really know that fact unless they read a ways into the story and are familiar with the Bible. My only real critique would have been to draw out the chase in the first book, seemingly making the Christians looks like the Villains (not calling them followers of “The Way” but instead calling them criminals throughout the book), and then at the end of the book the big reveal is that they are being chased down for being Christians. An example of this kind of suspense was in the movie “Book of Eli”. *Spoiler Alert* At the end of the movie it is revealed (1) The man is Blind and (2) The Book he is carrying are the scriptures. If these had been revealed earlier in the movie, it would not have made the ending so special and dramatic.

All things being considered though, this is my friend’s first work and is certainly worth a read and even a re-read. My qualms with the book are minimal and the story itself is really engaging and picks up as the book moves along. The end seems open for the possibility of a second book, one I hope will be written. I would love to dive more deeply into this story, its characters, and its world.

~ Daniel Brockhan

Making All Things New

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – Rev. 21:1-5

Here in Revelation, John writes that many things will change. God’s relationship with humanity and humanity’s relationship with God will be different. The hold that sin has and its affect on us as individuals and communities will be torn. However, what struck me the most this week was when God will utter the phrase, “I am making everything new!”

Listen to the weight of that statement. God is not saying some things or even most things, but everything. In the end there is going to be a different orientation for all things. However, I think that is where many of us as Christians are stuck. God is saying these things in the end. God is changing things in the future.

Shall we limit God making all things new to our future only?
What about our present; is God making all things new right now?

I believe this goes into questioning what one believes about God’s Kingdom. Is the Kingdom of God something that comes in the end, once sin is finally wiped out; or is it an unfolding that has been and will continue to take place, finding its completion at the second coming? What do we say about such parables, like that of the mustard-seed or of the dough, among others? (MT 13:24-30; 31-35).

Beyond those examples, what about the numerous references about the Kingdom of God being in the here and hereafter, that it is now and not-yet (MT 13:47-52; LK 17:20-21; 19:11-27; 22:14-18)? I think this means that once we become Christians, not only were we saved, but we have become a part of the Kingdom that has been unfolding since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

God is already using his church to begin bringing about a peaceable kingdom; yet in this current time and place, sin is still a very real part of the life of humanity. Sin is a reality not only to those who are not part of that Kingdom, but also to those who are as well. For as much as the spirit of God resides in us as individuals and as community, so long as we are still in these fleshly bodies, sin will creep in and distort the spirit, will distort the original Imago Deo in which God created us (Gen 1:27).

What does any of this mean for us as individuals?

I think this means that as Christians, God is working within us, changing us, transforming us; perhaps getting us ready to be a part of his Kingdom, even right now, this very moment. It is no longer a choice of if we love God (or if God loves us, we know that already). No longer a choice of if we believe Jesus died (We are already saved, part of the Kingdom). No, now it is a choice if we will follow God (Will we live the things Jesus lived, said, and taught?). Now it is a choice if we will enact and be representatives of this new kingdom. Not later, but right now, every day.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as it related to my own life. I am now on the precipice of another life change and transition. I have loved and enjoyed my residency where I have worked as a hospital chaplain; yet I am already starting to mourn the loss of this time and this ministry. I have about six months before this residency ends. Right now my future is gray, hazy, foggy. While I am applying for positions, the not knowing can be terrifying.

Then I read this scripture and it makes me think… If God will make all things new and if this process is already started, then God is making me new as well. God is molding me. I am who I am because of who God made me, but also because of all the experiences and learning I have had from my past. I regret nothing looking back. There have been times of joy and sorrow, but all those experiences, all those feelings have made me who I am. To continue to grow, I must move on, I must go to the next area that God has for me.

I do not know where that area is right now; however, I do know that God has stood alongside me in the past. I know that after all the transitions of my life up to this time I have survived and grown stronger. I know that all those times I was anxious, worried, fearful, scared; those feelings left. I grew and was changed for the better. Today, I look forward to whatever changes come my way next. I know that as long as I focus on Christ and have family and friends to lean on and lift me up in prayer, I will continue growing. I will continue on this journey I started the moment I accepted Christ and became part of the vast and glorious Kingdom, kept in the hands of God and my savior Christ Jesus.

~ Daniel Brockhan