new things for new years

Man! I almost lost my blog. But it's still alive. And you will still hear from me. I want to finish this year in a low-key contemplative way, considering what I can be grateful for, where I'm going, trying to know God more. OK, you have a great time for the holidays. Now I just want to post something that I have posted more than a year ago. It's probably my favourite post.

"We are driving so slow if you can call that driving. Moving with the jeep on this mountain road if you can call it a road. It is so lovely here, forest, green meadows...we stop and pick apples from the trees by the road. It is the eastern part of the country and we left the near by village to go and meet my wife's grandfather who lives in a small house in the mountain. You can get there only with a jeep, and in winter when the snow falls you just can not get there. He lives alone in a primitive house, he is 87 years old and has not seen my wife at least for few years. I was really excited and really longed to meet him and it was really an emotional meeting. We found him in the house with earthen floor and a stove...very old. He was really glad that we came...and immediately brought what he has to offer, fresh plums, pears...and some honey. He goes, "Take the spoon and eat! You are not eating!" I liked when he shared some old sayings and what I would call people wisdom and we had a great laugh. During the world war 2 he has been arrested by the germans and has spent 6 months in prison in Vienna. Basically has been through many things. We spent maybe an hour with him and it was time to go. He loaded our car with apples, pears, plums...macedonians, especially the ones that live in the country, they love to give. When we said good bye our hearts broke. Why? I dont know. Maybe because we might never see him again. Maybe because we felt sorry for him. Maybe because recently because of high blood pressure he faints...and he is alone there. We go back to our own world full of things, voices, duties, programmes, tv's, computers, clothes, cars, shops...and he stays there in his simple world. Alone. Waking up alone, going to bed alone. But perphaps we will never understand that he does not need our things and voices. He has something that we don't. It seems like your soul does not get so dirty in places like that...and you have less voices in your head. After we came back, every evening my wife asks me, "Do you think that grandpa sleeps now?" I think so...Sleep well grandpa. I hope one day you wake up in the light."

Respect

I bought the dvd with Kaliopi's 30 year aniversary concert that she had in the end of November. I just wanted to say that she makes very good music creating her own style and not following the trends. The concert is great, she has a lovely voice and I respect her for that.

Conversations with Bono (Part 2) She travels outside of karma

Speaking of bloody action movies, we were talking about South and Central America last time. The Jesuit priests arrived there with the gospel in one hand and a rifle in the other.

I know, I know. Religion can be the enemy of God. It’s often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building. (laughs) A list of instructions where there was once was conviction, dogma where once people just did it, a congregation led by a man where once they were led by the Holy Spirit. Discipline replacing discipleship.

As I told you, I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?

Yes, I think that’s normal. It’s a mind-blowing concept that God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.

I haven’t heard you talk about that.

I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

Well, that doesn’t make it clearer to me.

You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics-in physical laws-every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so will you sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid things.

I’d be interested to hear that.

That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep shit. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins on the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

How come?

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When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God! Apostle Paul

време

Времево од ден на ден се постудено станува. А викаат имало глобално затоплување.

Conversations with Bono - Part 1

These days I'm really enjoying reading a book called "Bono on Bono" which is not a typical biography but a series of conversations that he had with a friend of his who is a french journalist. I thought it would be interesting to post small bits of the book.

Correct. But you've also never seen a skeptic or an atheist smash himself to pieces in order to kill as many people as possible. I mean, atheists would organize concentration camps or would plan collective starvation, but this kind of terror we are dealing with now is of a spiritual nature. You can't hide from that.

It's true. Yeah, smashing other people to pieces doesn't need the same conviction. Most terrorist want to change the material world. Well, add eternity to that, and people can go a lot further to pursue their ends. It's a big prize, isn't it, eternity? It's not a two-term presidency. (laughs) But of course, this is always a corruption of some holy thesis, whether it's the Koran or the Bible. My understanding of the Scriptures has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean? What it means for me: a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honor. I don't let my religious world get too complicated. I just kind of go: Well, I think I know who God is. God is love, and as much as I respond in allowing myself to be transformed by that love and acting in that love, that's my religion. Where things get complicated for me, is when I try to live this love. Now, that's not so easy.

What about the God of the Old Testament? He wasn't so "peace and love."

There's nothing hippie about my picture of Christ. The Gospels paint a picture of a very demanding, sometimes divisive love, but love it is. I accept the Old Testament as more of an action movie: blood, car chases, evacuations, a lot of special effects, seas dividing, mass murder, adultery. The children of God are running amok, wayward. Maybe that's why they're so relatable. But the way we would see it, those of us who are trying to figure out our Christian conundrum, is that the God of the Old Testament is like the journey from stern father to friend. When you're a child, you need clear directions and some strict rules. But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross.

This guy is preaching my heart

I prefer to write myself on the blog and not take stuff from other sites but I thought this is worth listening to. I promise I will not bother you with too much youtube. The guy is Jason Upton.

The Arcade Fire

Stay cool San Diego!

Just to mention that from now on www.mcglasnost.blogspot.com will be regularly updated. Make sure you check that out. Also wendsday at 6 p.m. we see each other at the square for giving out free drinks (tea and hot chocolate! stay away you drunkards.) :)

Free Hugs

This is a very cool

video

about a guy in Sydney giving free hugs. I think is worth seeing it. Also this is a

video

from the news report. Enjoy.

Dog City

I dedicate this song to the mayor of Skopje and the mayors of all the municipalities in this Dog City.

Dogs in the school yards,
dogs by my building
dogs on the bus stops,
what a lovely feeling.

Dogs in the park,
dogs in the square,
dogs are lurking everywhere.

Dogs on the streets,
dogs in the mall
If I can I would k**l them all.

I don't have anything against the dogs. They are lovely animals. But this is too much. You can't even walk through the center of town and not be surrounded by dogs. There are thousands of them in Skopje. And we want to be EU. Nobody is doing anything about that. "There is no money about that. The city bank account is empty" they will say. Yes, but someone must have helped empty that account. And what do I care if you don't have money. Find them somewhere. People are more important than money.

photo selection

Here are some photos from the time with the norwegian team last month. I didn't took these photos but I thought they're cool. So give your vote for your favourite one.

Sons of the preacher man! (think twice about the title)

Just few days ago an affair broke out about a well known pastor among the evangelical believers and the american public. The man admitted that he was involved in sexual sin. The heathens loath and the christians are confused and dissapointed. I don't have anything special to add about this scandal but few thoughts. Let us be reminded of 3 things. First: It can happen to me or you. Second: How would you like to be treated if you were in his position. And third: God has enough grace to restore anyone. This is a lesson that we need to live lives of accountability and be open in front of other people. Don't think you can do it on your own. We need each other. And just one more thing. The time of christian superstars and lone rangers is over.It's OVER! For too long America is selling individualistic christianity of superstars. There is an army of faceless and nameless people rising.

THE CAFE IS DEAD, MAN! THA CAFE IS DEAD! IS IT?

The "Glasnost Cafe" is closed. We moved the stuff 2 days ago. I think it served it's purpose well. Things could have been done better off course but...it was good. People came, there were good conversations, prayer. And honestly I don't feel disappointed,(is this true?) maybe a little bit nostalgic. I told someone the other day "Well, see you in the coffee bar on friday. Wait! What coffee bar?"
I believe that God knows what he is doing. I don't want to make statements like it was God or it was the devil. I just know what we need to do, with or without a coffee bar. We need to go for God (strive to know him more and to be obedient to him) and go for people (share our faith and lives with those that don't know Him) no matter what. Maybe it's time to "go out" and be with people. To dare to live what you believe and not be afraid that you won't be holy if you hear cussing and cursing and people living in all kinds of sin. To be who you are. A child of God.
And also maybe it's a time to call people who are you friends. To ask them how are they doing, to start caring for someone else, to listen, to share, to pray, to give, to cry, to laugh, to love.
And maybe it's my time...
To leave this internet cafe.

Music

Just to mention few artists and bands that are worth checking. In the last two weeks I'm really enjoying their music. The first one is Damien Rice. He has only one album released in 2003 and it's called O. The second are Arcade Fire and their album is called Funeral. The third is Sufjan Stevens and the album that I have is Illinois. (he is very smart musically and the lyrics are so open, vulnerable.)

Macedonia: An english football nightmare

Dirty Harry

Every time I go to visit my parents, Harry is smiling at me with all those handprints all over him. Love you guys!

Bitter Sweet Harmony (Back to the primitive)

London town is one thing but back to reality is another. Back to the primitive. These days after England were a lot of planning and running around preparing for yesterday. The big opening and introduction of the Glasnost Sunday Meetings which went great. Plus all day saturday and sunday morning we had a conference where I led worship and talked in one of the session. (that was great also) And on top of that me and Ana we are moving (we didn't want to but...)and are in the middle of packing stuff, planning for the new flat. When I was gone Ana found one flat with an extra room and we are moving to that place. But it takes money (which we don't have) for fixing stuff and moving and that's always the frustrating part. You know in the end of the day it's always good and God helps us but when you are in the middle of things it's not very funny. And plus I'm driving the car not insured because of the same issue. Maybe it helps a little bit to just let out what's on your heart. Not always good stuff though. Maybe I will feel better when I leave this internet cafe in few minutes. Cheers!

London Town

We went to London (together with Alpin and Lile) for the 24-7Prayer ILG (International Leaders Gathering)and then spend 5 days in Guildford visiting the community there. Me and Alpin we stayed with the guys from the Transit team and really had a great time hanging out with them. Such a great bunch of people. And about London. What can you say about London? You can not but love it. At least me. I really enjoyed walking through the center of the city,(it takes a lot of walking) big crowds, theaters, pubs, shops, double deckers, fish and chips, beer, yeah! OK, I'm not going to talk too much, I will put few photos and you can see for yourself.

Big Korab (2754 a.s.l)

Every year for the Day of independance, the Mountain Club Korab organizes a hike to the highest peak in Macedonia called Big Korab (2754 a.s.l). Last year I could't go but there was no way I was going to miss that climb this year. The climb is not very hard but still demanding and on some places the trail goes pretty steep. After 3.5 hours I reached the summit and stayed there for one hour before descending. On the way up most of the time we were walking through low clouds and mist but on the way back the view was simply amazing. When you stand on the top you have Albania on one side of you and Macedonia on the other. They say that around 1100-1200 people came for the climb (most of them reached the top)of whom 390 were people from other countries. I love the mountains.

Johnny Cash

One album that I really enjoyed listening lately was the latest Johnny Cash album called American V: A hundred highways. It was released in the beggining of July so it is pretty new. It's from the material he was recording very shortly before he died. In my opinion the album is really thrilling especially if you like Johnny Cash. Two of the songs are his and the others are covers from other artists. His voice is fragile but brings a meaning and gives weight to the music. And the production is great like the Solitary Man and The Man comes around. I recommend this cd. Also for those who like Johnny Cash there will be more American albums cause he has recorded a number of songs that will be released later.

Check, one, two!

Yes, it has been a while.

Short info

We are in Ohrid now and we will be here until the end of this month. It's good here, going to the beach, talking to people, praying...tomorrow we will start with the Alpha course in one cafe and we will have it for 5 evenings. Alpha is a course about the basics of the christian faith. The team that came from London left yesterday, we had good time with them. Great people! You can read some of their impressions on www.macedonia06.blogspot.com. OK, see you later!

Bet on my blog (Part 4)

Ok, we are getting closer to the end of the world cup. First Germany-Argentina: they both fought to the end and Germany going further is ok cause they are really good. I think they are the only team that played constantly good from the first match till now. I'm sad for Argentina. This was a match for a semifinal. I didn't watch Italy-Ukraine but what can I say about Italy. Nothing! Portugal-England: England played better without that jerk Rooney. Portugal is the surprise and Scolari is a proof of what a good coach can do. He is really good. Brazil-France: Brazil entered this world cup as total favourites which is not good psychologically. They were under a lot of pressure. On this match France played much better and deserved the victory. Zidan proved that he is an football artist. What I like is that those who are puffed up and are expected to be the best are going home. Neither England nor Brazil deserved a final.
Now we have Germany-Italy and France-Portugal. Most of the predictions are Germany-France in the final with Germany winning. I would not be surprised but I would say in that case: Come on France!

Bet on my blog (Part 3)

OK, Brazil-Gana finished just 15 min. ago and what can I say. Cheers for the Gana team for the good football, courage, fighting. Once again BRAVO!!! They deserved at least one goal. But anyway I like Brasil also. Whay can you say about Italy, such a shame for the football, such a shame for that referee. That was not a penalty kick and Australia was playing better. They always make it this way. And to be more ironic they play Ukraine in the 1/4 final who beated Switzerland yesterday. (You simply are not allowed to miss 3 penalty kicks.)I hope Ukraine kicks them out. Brazil is waiting for the winner of Spain-France.

Bet on my blog (Part 2)

Ok, we have the first 1/4 finalist now. Germany-Sweden 2:0,Argentina-Mexico 2:1, England-Ecuador 1:0 and Holland-Portugal 0:1. Now we have Germany-Argentina (this is supposed to be for me a final before the final, the germans are not joking but still I like Argentina) England-Portugal (the Brits were lucky till now but come on Portugal).

The next 1/8 final matches that will be played today and tomorrow are Italy-Australia (come on Australia!) Switzerland-Ukraine, Brazil-Gana and Spain-France. (an easier group of 1/8 finalist I would say but...)

Ok, so for the matches that we have for the 1/4 final Germany-Argentina and England-Portugal put your bets now. :)

Bet on my blog (Part 1)

We have the first 1/8 finalists and the matches are:
Germany-Sweden
England-Ecuador
Argentina-Mexico
Holland-Portugal
In 2 days we will know the rest. I think England was lucky to miss Germany, Argentina should have a pretty easy job, one very interesting is Holland-Portugal. (but you never know, surprises are not excluded)Also I salute the teams of Ivory Coast and Trinidad and Tobago for fighting and good games. So now you can bet on my blog and say your favorite. The ones that win will get a prise. Also expect cool photo galeries from the World Cup.

Welcome

Hey people! Everyone is invited tomorrow night at 9pm in the Vulkan Club. Our band Vanity Fair will play together with another band called Forbidden Apple. I expect great fun.

A-na-nas

Kako se vika ananas na turski?
Mashala shisharka!

You said you come from Tokyo?

During the weekend of 19-21 of May a group of us went to Belgrade for 24-7's "Big Conversation" and it was great to see old friends and to meet new people. For me personally there was sense of belonging and connecting, which was great.
The first evening I met Scott and Misty, a couple from England that really had an impression on me. They left their jobs, sold the house, got a camper van and together with their two children decided to travel all around Europe and be a blessing to churches, friends and share their life with those that don't know Jesus. Living in a country that offers security, a good and comfortable life, they decided to leave that and be available to God. I so much respect that! Because those who decide to leave their comfort and follow Jesus where ever he may take them are close to God's own heart and will make a difference in this world. It's foolishness for those that perish but for those...The dandylion has been blown and the seeds are landing and beginning to take root. A great movement of nameless and faceless young people is about to explode and I want to be a part of it!

Different "I AM"

He comes through the back door,
He enters silently,
He comes unseen by most,
For vanity lens, cover their eyes.

He comes through the back door,
He comes like nobody,
He comes unheard by most,
For all these voices raging through the air.

And he is not your kind of hero
slaying all his enemies while you cheer on!
He is not your superhero,
Killing all the bad guys while you cheer on!

But He will come, and He will reign,
Forever in glory.
And He will be heard, and He will be seen
By oh, so many.

And He will be adored, and He will be adorned,
with crown of glory.
And I will fall, and kiss His feet,
And serve Him only.

Let me entertain you

Затемљење сунца!

Пред некој ден требаше да се затемни сонцето.
Луѓе на плоштад собрани, сликаат, гледаат.
И стварно се затемни.
Кога надојдоа едни облаци...
Се зезам...се затемни.

WE WON!

First thing I want to say is that people are people no matter where they live. Without relationship with Jesus Christ everyone is lost and empty. Someone might be richer or smarter than the other but they are both lost and empty. A person begins to live when God awakens their spirit and filles them with His Holy Spirit. Just few days ago I had this opportunity to spend time with followers of Jesus from Albania and Kosovo. The same light in the eyes, the same joy, the same tears, the same purpose, the same father. How beautiful! And on the other hand the world is just building walls, building hatred, building lies, blind leading the blind. And if we are not different who will be? If we don't stand for what we believe who will?

The other thing is the feeling when you have had a great victory, when you have done something good, encouraged someone, just had a great experience with God, or came home after a great service or a great worship time and then you just feel disillusioned. Lonely. What's all this about? It just doesn't make a sense. But friends, it does make sense. We are part of something bigger than us, something that we might never understand fully here on earth. Our feelings change, but that does not change the truth. So let's hold on! Think of the coming glory. Think of the One who went through such rejection and ran the race to the end. We have seen the end of the movie. WE WON!

Euro-shame-o-vision

Saturday night, macedonian eurovision contest...I didn't know what to expect, but what I saw and heard...First of all, half of the singers were some 15-20 years back in time. The whole organization of the contest, the studio...very bad! The songs lower than average, the winner...at least she sang good...the song, so and so. Anyway, what do you care about eurovision?

Слушнете го ова! Некоја роднина на една наша другарка се вика Капетанка, лудница а? А што ќе кажете за ова: Тракторка! верујте ми, истинита прича. Пишете и вие по некое смешно име. А и за евровизија може да коментирате, ако мислите дека вреди да се коментира за такво нешто.

Buenos comicos

This is from the comic exibition that we went to yesterday. We saw some pretty good stuff there and I especially like the style of two of the guys who did this one called "Motus." You can check some of the stuff on www.pogon.org.mk

Македонски Телекомуникации

Сељачишта едни лоповски! Вие срам немате!

Cosmic fight for the urban youth

Urban youth. Urban myth. Urban split.
Split and destroy! Make it nice before it dies.
Yes baby, it's all about you. You!
Your dreams, Your life. (For the birds meat to eat.)

Dark shades, voices unseen, keep you blind,
and more, more, give me more of this stuff, you cry.
More of this "nothingness", more to fill the the void screaming inside.

To kill my pain, I close my eyes, I writhe in shame.
Oh, Lord, Oh, Something, the good cries in me.
I won't give up, "Love" I say, "Love" I say.
Kneel! Kneel! Fall! Quick! For a dark blast,
a black wrath is moving angry and furious.
Fall now! Fall and be quiet…quiet…quiet.

I lie with my face on the ground and look!
Water, red water, bloody water is running all around me.
Lift your head now and see! See where this water flows from and run!
Run now and don’t turn back. Run as fast as you can!
As I run, I feel warm inside. Something will happen, that I know.

I came to the source, just three words, Mercy cover me

Солун е наш!

Over the weekend, me and Ana we were in Thessaloniki visiting some friends. It was great to just walk around the city center, relaxing, sunny weather, 15 *C, the sea and stuff. Then later hanging out with our friends walking along the beach outside the city. Well, that was saturday and on sunday there was snow coming down to greece already falling down in Macedonia. We took the bus from Gevgelija and what can I say. Man! it was f****ing cold (I meant freaking, count the letters) at the back of the bus where I sat and I had all this wind blowing right at me. I think, for 300 den. that's pretty ok, I mean you get some fresh air, possibly a cold, frozen feet...So for this occasion I wrote a poem. It goes like this, "Welcome to the sunny side, where all penguins come to die, oh my, oh my!" (It goes well with the melody of "Soldiers side" from SOAD) You know I like the greek people no matter of the issues we have. I think that they are ok but going to Greece you have a strange feeling that is in the air if you are macedonian, like you can not say that you come from macedonia and so. (The following is in macedonian)

Епа сега ќе ви кажам пред поширока јавност бе грчиња. Од Македонија сум, што? имате проблем.
НАРОДЕ МАКЕДОНСКИ, СО КАКВИ ИДЕИ СИ ТИ,
ДОСТА БЕШЕ, РАЗБУДИ СЕ, СВЕСТИ СЕ НЕ СПИ ТИ,
ДОСТА БЕШЕ, РАЗБУДИ СЕ, СВЕСТИ СЕ НЕ СПИ ТИ!

Oh my God, I think I know the singer of Vanity Fair

Yesterday I learned that we have a new blogger in the society and that is Tina. So let us welcome her.
On saturday night we played with Vanity Fair and I think it was pretty good. The best of our few performances.
The long awaited "glasnost" coffe shop is now open. It will take some more work on it but it's good for a start.

He took a stand!

Yesterday I saw Walk the Line the movie about Johnny Cash. I was familiar with some things from reading his autobiography so it was not all that excited but its a good movie. I like Johnny Cash cause he didn't care what the others will think of him and just said in his songs what he wanted to say. Sang about pain, injustice, sorrow but also faith, hope, God. I admire his boldness cause he took a stand.

How to survive a tsunami

Everyone builds his life on something. Some people build their lives on career, some on money, some on relationship with another person, some on better days in the future… In the Bible Jesus is talking about two men who were building their houses on two different grounds and the one who built his house on a rock (which means hearing and doing what Jesus said) had his house standing firm after the floods. God is faithful and unchangable and it is us that mess up things. Friends, if we build our lives on Jesus Christ and follow Him wholeheartedly we will never fail. If we honestly seek God and remember that it is we that change and not Him we will never fail. May Gods grace be with you all.

P.S. 1st step for survival: Look Jesus in His eyes.

Aslan vs. King Kong

First of all Happy New Year people! We had a good party for the New Years Eve and tonight is our christmass eve. (don't be confused, it's weird but it's true I'm telling you)

Just day after new years eve we watched The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe and I really liked it. It's not Lord of the Rings and it's more for children but it's a great movie. I especially liked the beggining, the little girl ending up in Narnia and the end of the movie, the battle, Aslan rising up and joining the battle. The middle part was little bit slow but that is ok.

We also watched King Kong and on some parts of the movie i felt like standing up in the middle of the cinema and shouting King and all the people shouting back KONG! (for more on King Kong read Alpin's post The beauty and the beast.)