How do you worship?

So we made it to Fiji. After spending two days in LA due to unexpected mechanical problems, we finally flew out on Tuesday. We arrived in Nadi, Fiji to discover that it was flooded. Luckily the water went down enough to take the bus to Suva. We've begun settling in (pictures to come) and getting used to Fiji time.

Anyway, that's not what I wanted to write about. Living in Fiji over the past year has taught me that the American way is not always the right way (or the wrong way for that matter). I was sitting in church this morning when a group of students got up to do a dance. This is a relatively frequent practice in Fiji and I've seen it dozens of times. Here's what went through my mind: "Here we go again".

Almost immediately, I felt convicted and heard the Spirit saying, "Whoa Brian. Why don't you come down off your high horse?" Shoot. I realized that I've become so one-dimensional in my own conception of worship. You say worship and I think about the three song set preceding the sermon at church. I don't know for sure but I don't think that's what God had in mind when he created us.

... everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.                                                                                                              Isaiah 43:7

These dancers in church were simply worshipping God a different way and I fell into the trap of dismissing them right off the bat. I love living in a foreign culture because it challenges everything that I do and everything I've been taught. Fijians constantly worship God through song, dance, testimony and drama.

Why do we confine worship within the church walls? Why do we automatically think of singing? I wrote in my journal that I don't want to be one-dimensional in worshipping my Creator. I'm still not sure what that looks like but I've challenged myself to worship in different ways this week.

Where do you most experience God? It's not "unChristian" of you if church doesn't come to your mind. Maybe it's on a walk or a hike. Maybe it's swimming or when you're on a run. Maybe it's when you're alone (like me!) or when you're in a crowded place. I don't know but I challenge you to experience God and worship Him in a new way this week. He's just to great to be confined to a three song set on Sunday!

Oopies!

I know. I know. You're probably upset with me. I realize that I haven't blogged in three months. As my nephew would say, "Oopies". Part of me forgot I had a blog, the other part knew I had a blog but didn't want to do anything about it. Anyway, my apologies for being absent from the blogosphere. I hope you'll forgive me for all the times you've come to this page and been disappointed.

But now I'm back (at least I hope so). Here are a few reasons for my resurgence:

• I've started following a few blogs in the past few weeks. Reading other people's blogs makes me feel bad about not updating mine (particularly my sister in law, Krista, she makes me look really bad). My guilt has finally overwhelmed me to return. That's probably not a reason but it is what it is.
• I've been in America for the past two months and people have actually told me that they read my blog?!?!?!? I was genuinely surprised. I know that I had a few faithful followers (Thanks Grandma!) but it turns out, at least 8ish people read my blog (or at least try to in the past three months). Thanks for your support and I hope you haven't given up on me just yet.
• I also promised Brady and Michelle that I would blog before I left America to go back to Fiji. This would not have been possible had Air Pacific not cancelled our flight from LA to Fiji. So I'm currently sitting in the lobby of the Hilton, with my stomach full, courtesy of Air Pacific and their little blunder. Thank you very much.
• Lastly, I realized that my life is about 30 times more exciting in Fiji than it is in America. So now that I'm heading back, hopefully my life will be a little more adventurous.

This picture has nothing to do with what I'm talking about but I add it because I love my niece. And I'm hoping that you will look at it and admire how cute she/I am. I stole this picture from my sister-in-law's blog. I had to say goodbye to everyone over the past week. I used my last night with Ellie to try to teach her to walk. She had fun but wasn't able to take a step for me. I still love her though.

It was easier to say goodbye this year. Maybe because I'm a seasoned veteran at leaving for long periods of time....probably not though. It could be because I trust God to provide for me and for my family and friends back home this year. It could also be because I know that I'm doing what He's called me to do. In reality, it's probably some combination of the three. I'm excited for this year. I'm excited to have a new team of nine. I'm excited to be challenged. I'm excited to learn. I'm excited to grow.

I'm also excited to go to bed. If you happen to read this in time, please pray for our team as we travel across the South Pacific tomorrow. And check back soon because I'm back babyyyyyy!!!!!