Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Raspberry Mountain Wilderness Lodge
I grew up in the church. I am 41 years old. I have probably attended, over the years 60 retreats, maybe more. I have just gotten back from a very unique retreat. And yet there were things about it that were delightfully typical:
beautiful location- mountains of Southern Colorado
great hikes
lots of women in one place
games
laughter
tears
fire pit
smores
Amazing Grace
development of inside jokes, "Bless your heart"
prayer
Psalm 103
And yet it was different...
Here were some of the firsts for me on a retreat:
adventures on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles)
cattle in the high country meadows
calves at play and grampa cow always working to catch up
an engagement annoucement
hot tubbing
Yoga
movie watching in a state of the art theatre room
women actively trying to get to know all the other women there
But best of all the home we stayed in was a work of art. It was beautiful. It honors God's creation. It invites you to dream big dreams... It was obviously built with love thinking always of all that would cross its threashold.
Our hostess was the embodiment of hospitality and loving sacrifice in every possible way.
The combination of these two realities did something to us, her guests. Our souls were opened up in beautiful ways. We were free to be generous with each other as she and the Lord through her had been generous to us.
I have never perosonally been more impacted or watched others be more impacted by this gift. There are passages in the book of Acts that will forever mean more to me than they ever meant before.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above you heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
beautiful location- mountains of Southern Colorado
great hikes
lots of women in one place
games
laughter
tears
fire pit
smores
Amazing Grace
development of inside jokes, "Bless your heart"
prayer
Psalm 103
And yet it was different...
Here were some of the firsts for me on a retreat:
adventures on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles)
cattle in the high country meadows
calves at play and grampa cow always working to catch up
an engagement annoucement
hot tubbing
Yoga
movie watching in a state of the art theatre room
women actively trying to get to know all the other women there
But best of all the home we stayed in was a work of art. It was beautiful. It honors God's creation. It invites you to dream big dreams... It was obviously built with love thinking always of all that would cross its threashold.
Our hostess was the embodiment of hospitality and loving sacrifice in every possible way.
The combination of these two realities did something to us, her guests. Our souls were opened up in beautiful ways. We were free to be generous with each other as she and the Lord through her had been generous to us.
I have never perosonally been more impacted or watched others be more impacted by this gift. There are passages in the book of Acts that will forever mean more to me than they ever meant before.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above you heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Update on Terry
I am writing to let you know that the doctors have been able to figure out what was going on with Terry. After many tests, there is a fairly easy solution that will restore his health. We are very grateful for this outcome!
We are grateful for the answers to prayer that God has provided!
We are grateful for the answers to prayer that God has provided!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Terry
My brother's name is Terry.
I know, isn't it cute our names rhyme. It came in handy when Mom was calling us. We both responded to a positive tone. We both assumed it was the other one when it was "the somebodies in trouble" tone.
My brother is a couple of years younger than me. We were very typical. Liked each other but also liked a good fight. Road trips were especially interesting. We lived in Kansas when we were little and there was no place to far for Mom and Dad to drive us. So we got some serious "don't cross that line" time in the car.
As we grew up we both were led to leave Colorado for college. We were both led to Christian Universities. Terry went to Northwestern in Minnesota. He married a local girl and they are very happily settled up there.
Terry is a youth pastor. I love his heart for the Lord and people. We have great talks over the phone. Processing what the Lord is up to in each of our lives. Encouraging each other to press on and delighting in what we each enjoy about ministry. He is more than my brother. He is a dear friend.
This week he called to tell me something serious was up with his health. He discovered this while swimming to shore dragging a kyack because he another person had accidentally flipped is on one of his adventures. He heart and lungs weren't working right. After we got off the phone I was horrifyied by the thought that it could have been my dear sister-in-love calling me to tell me Terry drowned in the lake and we can't figure out why.
Before that moment, I thought I already knew how much I love my 6ft 3in "little brother". Turns out I didn't. I couldn't imagine and still can't not having him to call. So now I know better how much I love him.
The doctors have made progress figuring out what's going wrong. He'll be feeling better soon. And all of us who love him will be more appreiciatve than we've ever been before.
I wish I knew why it takes events like these for us to know how much we love and are loved.
I'm always fascinated when the very thing we would never wish on somebody it the very thing that teaches was we need to know.
To those who knew what was going on with Terry this week, thanks for praying!
I know, isn't it cute our names rhyme. It came in handy when Mom was calling us. We both responded to a positive tone. We both assumed it was the other one when it was "the somebodies in trouble" tone.
My brother is a couple of years younger than me. We were very typical. Liked each other but also liked a good fight. Road trips were especially interesting. We lived in Kansas when we were little and there was no place to far for Mom and Dad to drive us. So we got some serious "don't cross that line" time in the car.
As we grew up we both were led to leave Colorado for college. We were both led to Christian Universities. Terry went to Northwestern in Minnesota. He married a local girl and they are very happily settled up there.
Terry is a youth pastor. I love his heart for the Lord and people. We have great talks over the phone. Processing what the Lord is up to in each of our lives. Encouraging each other to press on and delighting in what we each enjoy about ministry. He is more than my brother. He is a dear friend.
This week he called to tell me something serious was up with his health. He discovered this while swimming to shore dragging a kyack because he another person had accidentally flipped is on one of his adventures. He heart and lungs weren't working right. After we got off the phone I was horrifyied by the thought that it could have been my dear sister-in-love calling me to tell me Terry drowned in the lake and we can't figure out why.
Before that moment, I thought I already knew how much I love my 6ft 3in "little brother". Turns out I didn't. I couldn't imagine and still can't not having him to call. So now I know better how much I love him.
The doctors have made progress figuring out what's going wrong. He'll be feeling better soon. And all of us who love him will be more appreiciatve than we've ever been before.
I wish I knew why it takes events like these for us to know how much we love and are loved.
I'm always fascinated when the very thing we would never wish on somebody it the very thing that teaches was we need to know.
To those who knew what was going on with Terry this week, thanks for praying!
Monday, September 01, 2008
It's essentially over...
Well, I just wrote the closing paragraph to my final paper for seminary.
I cried through most of my conclusion. My final paper ended up being a journey paper. Where was I on numerous topics before I entered seminary and where am I now. Pretty cool process for your last paper. God's beautiful sense of timing shows up once again.
I cried because I am so overwhelmed with what the Lord has shown me over the last few years. What a joy it has been to work through what I believe, or don't believe or want to believe. And to go through all that experiencing God and his love for me through each question or revelation.
I have read again through the greatest book ever written. I have read many great books about the greatest book. I have sat under great teachers. They were great mostly because they love God and they want others to love God too. They wanted to teach me what God had taught them so I could pass it on to others. No earnest question was ever dismissed some led to the best conversations I've ever had.
Many people have encouraged me along the way. I have been thinking of many of you today as I have been writing. I have to give my dear husband a word of appreciation here. He has listened to me think through so many things. We couldn't even begin to count the number of times I said, "Oh honey you've got to listen to me read this..." It's been a sacrifice that my family has for the most part joyfully endured. May I do as well for them as they have done for me.
Soon my diploma will be in the mail and I'll be looking for suggestions about what to read next. However, that will come after I get through the pile that is already on my desk... :)
Thank you so much for your encouragement along the way!!
Much love,
Cheri
I cried through most of my conclusion. My final paper ended up being a journey paper. Where was I on numerous topics before I entered seminary and where am I now. Pretty cool process for your last paper. God's beautiful sense of timing shows up once again.
I cried because I am so overwhelmed with what the Lord has shown me over the last few years. What a joy it has been to work through what I believe, or don't believe or want to believe. And to go through all that experiencing God and his love for me through each question or revelation.
I have read again through the greatest book ever written. I have read many great books about the greatest book. I have sat under great teachers. They were great mostly because they love God and they want others to love God too. They wanted to teach me what God had taught them so I could pass it on to others. No earnest question was ever dismissed some led to the best conversations I've ever had.
Many people have encouraged me along the way. I have been thinking of many of you today as I have been writing. I have to give my dear husband a word of appreciation here. He has listened to me think through so many things. We couldn't even begin to count the number of times I said, "Oh honey you've got to listen to me read this..." It's been a sacrifice that my family has for the most part joyfully endured. May I do as well for them as they have done for me.
Soon my diploma will be in the mail and I'll be looking for suggestions about what to read next. However, that will come after I get through the pile that is already on my desk... :)
Thank you so much for your encouragement along the way!!
Much love,
Cheri
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ending... Beginning
Summer's over...
Tonight's the night its over... bittersweet.
The new schedule starts tomorrow. I love new schedules. New beginnings... Fresh starts...
Fall was my favorite time of year as a kid. Since moving to Texas and being highly allergic to Fall here, its a little hard to say its my favorite. At least not until that first cold snap hits in say late October.
But I do still really love the new challenges and new people that come with new beginnings.
I hope something new is starting up for you in the near future!
Grace and Peace
Tonight's the night its over... bittersweet.
The new schedule starts tomorrow. I love new schedules. New beginnings... Fresh starts...
Fall was my favorite time of year as a kid. Since moving to Texas and being highly allergic to Fall here, its a little hard to say its my favorite. At least not until that first cold snap hits in say late October.
But I do still really love the new challenges and new people that come with new beginnings.
I hope something new is starting up for you in the near future!
Grace and Peace
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Blessing
Living Proof Ministries was able to send me the blessing I mentioned in my previous entry. Here it is...
My Dear Sister
You are a woman of substance
Called by Jesus Christ
To share the secrets of His kingdom.
Treasure the wonderHis Word is life
Protect your heart
It's God's holy dwelling
Expect the test
It proves you're not a fake
Dig the roots
Your God loves you
Stop the choke
Be a warrior, Not a worrier
Retain the Word
It makes you competently competent
Then with faith, And a fiery passion
Press forth, sweet one,
To the great glory of Jesus
To your 100-fold
You, go girl!
My Dear Sister
You are a woman of substance
Called by Jesus Christ
To share the secrets of His kingdom.
Treasure the wonderHis Word is life
Protect your heart
It's God's holy dwelling
Expect the test
It proves you're not a fake
Dig the roots
Your God loves you
Stop the choke
Be a warrior, Not a worrier
Retain the Word
It makes you competently competent
Then with faith, And a fiery passion
Press forth, sweet one,
To the great glory of Jesus
To your 100-fold
You, go girl!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Marveling at God's timing
I was blessed to attend the Simulcast event that Living Proof Ministries hosted this weekend. It was one of those "meant to be" occasions in my life. Its a small story how I even got there.
Anytime you go some where and the music is beautiful and the words of the music are straight from scripture and the teaching is based on the word of God your bound to come away encouraged. But this was more than that.
Five or so years ago, I took a study written by Beth called Believing God. Life changing for me. It was during that study that I became convinced God was asking me to go to seminary.
I walked into this weekend with some unresolved questions. I asked God my questions again. It was a little like there were two conversations going on. The one I was having with the Lord that relates to what I've learned from Beth in the past but still struggle to understand. And then the second conversation which was what Beth was bringing to us this weekend which was also very applicable to my life now.
Then the two conversaions collided. I received an answer to my central question with a Scripture reference and everything :). After taking my answer in, it made what Beth was saying this weekend so much more meaningful. It all resulted in feeling and knowing I am more free to move forward that I have felt for a long time. In essence it was a commissioning service.
After we in pairs finished speaking a blessing into each others lives. It hit me this was my graduation from school. This was the ceremony. I've asked Living Proof if I can have a transcript of what took place at the end. If I receive it. I'll post it here.
I'm telling you all this because we're friends and well today was kinda a big day for me.
But I'm also saying this because I want to encourage you again to humbly ask God to answer your questions. If you believe there is an intentional delay in the answer and yet feel led to keep asking. Keep asking. Marvel at all God will do to bring you His answer and the timing of it.
Blessings!
Anytime you go some where and the music is beautiful and the words of the music are straight from scripture and the teaching is based on the word of God your bound to come away encouraged. But this was more than that.
Five or so years ago, I took a study written by Beth called Believing God. Life changing for me. It was during that study that I became convinced God was asking me to go to seminary.
I walked into this weekend with some unresolved questions. I asked God my questions again. It was a little like there were two conversations going on. The one I was having with the Lord that relates to what I've learned from Beth in the past but still struggle to understand. And then the second conversation which was what Beth was bringing to us this weekend which was also very applicable to my life now.
Then the two conversaions collided. I received an answer to my central question with a Scripture reference and everything :). After taking my answer in, it made what Beth was saying this weekend so much more meaningful. It all resulted in feeling and knowing I am more free to move forward that I have felt for a long time. In essence it was a commissioning service.
After we in pairs finished speaking a blessing into each others lives. It hit me this was my graduation from school. This was the ceremony. I've asked Living Proof if I can have a transcript of what took place at the end. If I receive it. I'll post it here.
I'm telling you all this because we're friends and well today was kinda a big day for me.
But I'm also saying this because I want to encourage you again to humbly ask God to answer your questions. If you believe there is an intentional delay in the answer and yet feel led to keep asking. Keep asking. Marvel at all God will do to bring you His answer and the timing of it.
Blessings!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Alive ...dead...alive again!
Everything always descends to ritual.
Relationship reduced to action is void.
An invitation is received inviting me back to a heart to heart chat.
There I am accepted, loved, embraced, taught and inspired.
We lock hands and journey once more into action.
The void is filled and life begins again.
Relationship reduced to action is void.
An invitation is received inviting me back to a heart to heart chat.
There I am accepted, loved, embraced, taught and inspired.
We lock hands and journey once more into action.
The void is filled and life begins again.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Good to be gone... good to be home.
I'm sitting here thinking that two weeks is terribly hard to summarize when so many great things took place:
By the way for all the book lovers that live in my area. The Lewsiville Library offers free interlibrary loan. They have relationships with all kinds of libraries. I've heard that it is pretty rare book that they can't get a hold of for you. If that's true that makes my heart very happy! I'm testing it out this week. I requested four books for the paper I need to write.
Hope your getting some time this summer to relax and enjoy friends and family!
- My class was awesome - great material, great professor, great classmates.
- Reunions were very enjoyable with meaningful conversations.
- Dolphins at the Pier never seems ordinary, especially when there are baby dolphins. What a blessing!
- A local church hosted the author of The Shack. I went to two meetings. If you get a chance to hear him speak in person about his own story of redemption I highly recommend you take it, the book will be better understood and/or carry deeper meaning for you.
- My family missed me and I missed them. It's good to know you really do like each other.
By the way for all the book lovers that live in my area. The Lewsiville Library offers free interlibrary loan. They have relationships with all kinds of libraries. I've heard that it is pretty rare book that they can't get a hold of for you. If that's true that makes my heart very happy! I'm testing it out this week. I requested four books for the paper I need to write.
Hope your getting some time this summer to relax and enjoy friends and family!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Gift from God
God delivered a really nice gift to me yesterday.
I had to go pick the gift up at the airport. :)
I found out about the arrival time Sunday via the phone. My presence at the airport was requested at 4:30 pm on Monday. Perfect, I get done with work at 4:00pm.
So what was the gift? My first godly friend arrived back into my life. Her name is Carmen. She was one year ahead of me in high school.
We have a friendship that always involves a heart to heart about what God has been and is up to. We marvel together at what God is doing for and through the other. It never stops amazing us that we can go without seeing each other for years and then pickup exactly where we left off.
All was not perfect, it seemed we were hopelessly lost while getting her to her hotel. We made it there an hour later than we planned. But the Lord provided what we needed to get there safely, a wonderful husband with access to Google maps and a police officer. It was an adventure.
At one point, I said to Carmen if you haven't started praying yet now would be the time to start. Then I commented that I wondered what we were supposed to be learning from our journey. Carmen thought for a while and said, "to be thankful in all things." She was right. When we got off the highway she broke into a praise song. I joined her. Later I was reminded of all those hours spent together in choir.
We have another story to laugh about more later.
We saw the goodness of God in our reunion and in her eventual delivery to the front door of her hotel.
Actually, I've been a little blown away the last few weeks at all that God seems to be up to. I have found everything a little difficult to keep track of and take in. Sometimes walking with God feels painfully slow and involves so much sitting and waiting. Other times, like now it feels like a very long sprint. I'm wondering when I'm going to get a chance to catch my breath.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Something new...
Have you heard of writer's block?
Well I think I have reader's block. I think I've finally done it. I've read to much.
The timing is interesting. I'm starting class next week and I have three books plus professors notes to read.
Usually, I can focus while reading just about anywhere. But lately I can be in a room with no noise and have to read word by word, out loud and slowly in order to comprehend anything. Hmmm...
Maybe there's some cool stuff I'm not supposed to read through quickly in this last class.
Maybe turning 40 just became more than a number...
I'm grateful the Lord will help me whatever the reason.
What are you grateful the Lord is helping you with?
Well I think I have reader's block. I think I've finally done it. I've read to much.
The timing is interesting. I'm starting class next week and I have three books plus professors notes to read.
Usually, I can focus while reading just about anywhere. But lately I can be in a room with no noise and have to read word by word, out loud and slowly in order to comprehend anything. Hmmm...
Maybe there's some cool stuff I'm not supposed to read through quickly in this last class.
Maybe turning 40 just became more than a number...
I'm grateful the Lord will help me whatever the reason.
What are you grateful the Lord is helping you with?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Trinity Arts Conference
I just got back from a conference put on by a group of artists who desire to encourage creativity in the Body of Christ.
It was a very hospitable group of people. A joy to be around.
These are people who intentionally make time in their lives to discover how God wants to reveal himself through a partnership of creativity with them.
Some are very experienced. Others like me are just getting up the nerve to slip into the back of the room... so to speak.
I've discovered some things about me which are new to me. I don't know what these discoveries might mean. I am actually shockingly thankful I don't know. I'm going to trust God will keep revealing what He wants me to see and do it a little at a time. I hopeful that what God is opening up for me will both help me to walk closely with Him and be a benefit to others.
As I think of you, I am curious what brings both joy and meaning into your life?
If your honest answer to that question, after you say in your head all the things you know you should say, is ... nothing. Then let me encourage you by saying, I have been there. By God's grace, I'm not there anymore. I truly believe God wants to lead you out of that place as well. Jesus said and is still saying, "Come, follow me." Let Him lead you to what it is that allows you to express and experience both joy and meaning.
It was a very hospitable group of people. A joy to be around.
These are people who intentionally make time in their lives to discover how God wants to reveal himself through a partnership of creativity with them.
Some are very experienced. Others like me are just getting up the nerve to slip into the back of the room... so to speak.
I've discovered some things about me which are new to me. I don't know what these discoveries might mean. I am actually shockingly thankful I don't know. I'm going to trust God will keep revealing what He wants me to see and do it a little at a time. I hopeful that what God is opening up for me will both help me to walk closely with Him and be a benefit to others.
As I think of you, I am curious what brings both joy and meaning into your life?
If your honest answer to that question, after you say in your head all the things you know you should say, is ... nothing. Then let me encourage you by saying, I have been there. By God's grace, I'm not there anymore. I truly believe God wants to lead you out of that place as well. Jesus said and is still saying, "Come, follow me." Let Him lead you to what it is that allows you to express and experience both joy and meaning.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Nothing important
I'm grateful that I've finished another class for school.
I'm grateful for the time recently spent with family and friends.
I'm grateful Dave spotted a giant fish in the pond and two huge turtles, it made him very happy!
I'm grateful Matt gets a break from school for the summer.
I'm grateful for air conditioning.
I'm grateful for the things on my calendar the next few weeks.
I'm grateful for walking trails and lakes.
I'm grateful my husband had mercy on me when I dropped my dear sweet Ipod. That was very sad moment. Call apple is not a good message on your Ipod. Another one is on the way.
I'm grateful for all the music and talks on my Ipod and what they do for my soul.
I'm grateful ...
Ok, maybe I did have something important to think about and say...
Grateful's good.
Hope your grateful list is long too!
I'm grateful for the time recently spent with family and friends.
I'm grateful Dave spotted a giant fish in the pond and two huge turtles, it made him very happy!
I'm grateful Matt gets a break from school for the summer.
I'm grateful for air conditioning.
I'm grateful for the things on my calendar the next few weeks.
I'm grateful for walking trails and lakes.
I'm grateful my husband had mercy on me when I dropped my dear sweet Ipod. That was very sad moment. Call apple is not a good message on your Ipod. Another one is on the way.
I'm grateful for all the music and talks on my Ipod and what they do for my soul.
I'm grateful ...
Ok, maybe I did have something important to think about and say...
Grateful's good.
Hope your grateful list is long too!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Estes Park, Colorado
I'm going to one of my earthly homes this summer. Estes Park, Colorado. My Mom found a house for the 10 of us to rent this summer for a few days. I spent my High School years in Estes Park.
Since its located in Northern Colorado and my parents have settled in Central Colorado I don't make it back to my home turf very often.
What a joy to be with there with my Mom, Dad, Brother and all the additions that God has brought to our little family.
This place means a great deal to me. Growing up in the mountains was a unique privilege that I don't take lightly. The people who live there are outdoor adventurers, risk takers and admires of God's handiwork. Those people and their passions made a very big impression on me.
Most importantly God made a bigger impression. How can you not be wowed by Him when your seven mile commute into school everyday brings you to vistas that never cease to inspire? Majesty, beauty, strength, wildness, dependence, the brilliance of snow covered trees...
In August I will go and remember with family and old friends, and be grateful to rediscover it with the next generation of our family. A blessing indeed!
What get away are you most excited about this summer?
Friday, May 23, 2008
All figured out...
This week I signed up for my last class at Fuller Theological Seminary.
I am very excited about this last course. The title of it is Participation in the Ministry of Christ. I could not be more excited about the description of the course and its desired learning outcomes. It matches up so beautifully with what has been most enjoyable and challenging about my journey through seminary.
I will return to Southern California for two weeks in July to complete the course. The Lord, through his wonderful people, has provided gracious hosts and even transportation for me while I'm there. I'm looking forward to many wonderful reunions.
One friend will just be arriving back from Israel so I'll get to see all her pictures and hear her stories. I'm very grateful for the timing of this because we believe the Lord wants all three of us to travel to Israel with our church next spring. So it will be fun to hear about her experience and I'm sure will get me even more excited about our upcoming trip.
Another friend will just be returning from co-leading a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I am excited to be praying with her about some specific things and can't wait to hear how God worked through her and in her on that trip!
That's just a couple of the conversations I hope to have.
As I reflect back on the last five years and look forward into the near future, I realize how much of an adventure my life with Christ has become. He has called me to follow him by faith to places that were unknown and intimidating. He keeps asking me to continue living my life that way. It has gotten a tiny bit easier to follow the Lord into these places because His love and faithfulness have only get more obvious. For that I am very grateful.
I know what it is like to feel stuck. I hated that feeling. Let me encourage you that if your feeling that way to ask God to show the way out that He has for you. Whatever challenges that journey brings will be worth whatever cost you might have to pay.
Continuing the adventure...
I am very excited about this last course. The title of it is Participation in the Ministry of Christ. I could not be more excited about the description of the course and its desired learning outcomes. It matches up so beautifully with what has been most enjoyable and challenging about my journey through seminary.
I will return to Southern California for two weeks in July to complete the course. The Lord, through his wonderful people, has provided gracious hosts and even transportation for me while I'm there. I'm looking forward to many wonderful reunions.
One friend will just be arriving back from Israel so I'll get to see all her pictures and hear her stories. I'm very grateful for the timing of this because we believe the Lord wants all three of us to travel to Israel with our church next spring. So it will be fun to hear about her experience and I'm sure will get me even more excited about our upcoming trip.
Another friend will just be returning from co-leading a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I am excited to be praying with her about some specific things and can't wait to hear how God worked through her and in her on that trip!
That's just a couple of the conversations I hope to have.
As I reflect back on the last five years and look forward into the near future, I realize how much of an adventure my life with Christ has become. He has called me to follow him by faith to places that were unknown and intimidating. He keeps asking me to continue living my life that way. It has gotten a tiny bit easier to follow the Lord into these places because His love and faithfulness have only get more obvious. For that I am very grateful.
I know what it is like to feel stuck. I hated that feeling. Let me encourage you that if your feeling that way to ask God to show the way out that He has for you. Whatever challenges that journey brings will be worth whatever cost you might have to pay.
Continuing the adventure...
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Indifference or love?
The opposite of love is not hate it is indifference.
I read this statement in The Shack this morning. Its not the first time I've contemplated this idea.
Love teaches us to not be indifferent to God and to others. Love teaches not to be indifferent to ourselves. There is much that needs attention paid to it.
This is one of the reasons that I believe prayer matters. Talking to God gives our relationship with Him a chance to matter. It matters that I say thank you. It matters that I worship the Lord with words and songs. It matters that I seek wisdom from God. It matters that my friends are hurting or seeking and that I talk to the Lord about those things. It matters that I look back and think about the motivations behind the things I did that I don't want to do in the future.
Some days I convince myself it doesn't matter. I become indifferent. I choose not to love. That is sad and prideful.
I do not want to be indifferent and absent of love. I'm grateful God knows when I get there and that He pulls me back. He loves me back.
Where are you indifferent to God? Where are you indifferent to people? Talk to God about it and be in awe of what happens next. Or, if you don't feel like talking try just sitting with Him.
I read this statement in The Shack this morning. Its not the first time I've contemplated this idea.
Love teaches us to not be indifferent to God and to others. Love teaches not to be indifferent to ourselves. There is much that needs attention paid to it.
This is one of the reasons that I believe prayer matters. Talking to God gives our relationship with Him a chance to matter. It matters that I say thank you. It matters that I worship the Lord with words and songs. It matters that I seek wisdom from God. It matters that my friends are hurting or seeking and that I talk to the Lord about those things. It matters that I look back and think about the motivations behind the things I did that I don't want to do in the future.
Some days I convince myself it doesn't matter. I become indifferent. I choose not to love. That is sad and prideful.
I do not want to be indifferent and absent of love. I'm grateful God knows when I get there and that He pulls me back. He loves me back.
Where are you indifferent to God? Where are you indifferent to people? Talk to God about it and be in awe of what happens next. Or, if you don't feel like talking try just sitting with Him.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Maturity
Quote:
Jesus has a different view of maturity: It is the ability and willingness to be led where you would rather not go. Henri Nouwen
So when do we believe enough in Christ to go where we don't want to go? When have you believed enough to go to such a place? How did God meet you there? What did you learn about God or yourself or both together?
The answer to these questions must have endless possibilities and fantastic stories.
I marvel at how long and patiently and artfully the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are willing to work for us to trust God enough so that we will go places we do not want to go.
Jesus has a different view of maturity: It is the ability and willingness to be led where you would rather not go. Henri Nouwen
So when do we believe enough in Christ to go where we don't want to go? When have you believed enough to go to such a place? How did God meet you there? What did you learn about God or yourself or both together?
The answer to these questions must have endless possibilities and fantastic stories.
I marvel at how long and patiently and artfully the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are willing to work for us to trust God enough so that we will go places we do not want to go.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Honest Conversation
I had a conversation yesterday with my son.
It may be one of the most important we ever have. Both God and lies were intensely at work in what what going on.
Honest tough questions got thrown my direction. Sincere thought through and completely believed by me answers got served back in his direction. Praise God, his heart and mind connected with what I shared with him.
I saw my son move from doubt back to faith, hopelessness back to courage, from anger to love. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to be in that conversation with him.
It may be one of the most important we ever have. Both God and lies were intensely at work in what what going on.
Honest tough questions got thrown my direction. Sincere thought through and completely believed by me answers got served back in his direction. Praise God, his heart and mind connected with what I shared with him.
I saw my son move from doubt back to faith, hopelessness back to courage, from anger to love. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to be in that conversation with him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)