Authenticity

2008/08/18

Authentic Friendships
by Rick Warren

But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:7–8 (NCV)

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In Christian fellowship people should experience authenticity.

Authentic fellowship is not superficial, surface-level chit-chat. It’s genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level, sharing.


It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer.


Authenticity is the exact opposite of what you find in many churches. Instead of an atmosphere of honesty and humility, there is pretending, role-playing, politicking, superficial politeness, and shallow conversation.


People wear masks, keep their guard up, and act as if everything is rosy in their lives. These attitudes are the death of real friendship.


It’s only as we become open about our lives that we experience authentic fellowship. The Bible says, “If we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. . . . If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves” (1 John 1:7–8 NCV).


The world thinks intimacy occurs in the dark, but God says it happens in the light. We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures, and flaws. But in the light, we bring them all out into the open and admit who we really are.


Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection, and being hurt again.


Why would anyone take such a risk?


Because it’s the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy. The Bible says, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed” (James 5:16 MSG).

I loved this devotional today...reminded me of great friends from GCC. Friends that I do ministry with, serve with, pray with and fellowship with. Friends that ask "how's it going?" and really WANT to know!! I pray that others will find me an "authentic friend".

New Quote that I Love

"It's one thing to believe in the power of God...it's another to experience His power."
-----Dr. Bob Laurente

Sweet tastes of Summer!

Yeah...I know it's hot & humid, but don't ya just LOVE summer!!!

Psalm 106:6-12

I read this passage this morning, God.
I see the Red Sea before me.
I thought I could get across by moving to the right...but there was just more sandy shore.
So I ran to the left where I thought I saw a bridge! It was only a short pier that jutted out a short distance and stopped.
I'm feeling kind of trapped.
I'm not afraid of the water. I've learned to be a good swimmer.
I'm just not sure I have the strength, energy, or even the determination to try swimming across.
Then I read how you helped the Israelites by rebuking the sea and it dried up.
On the spot.
You paraded them right through the middle. No one so much as got their feet wet.
I'm throwing away the snorkel and flippers and waiting on You to part my Red Sea.

"and they believed His words were true and broke out in songs of praise!"

Condiment Collection

I've had my share of collections. Seashells, glass figurines, Disney snowglobes. My husband collects swords, pictures of old TV shows and his latest endeavor is collecting hubcaps (don't ask!). My sons loved to collect baseball cards and would spend every last dime of their allowance to get the latest Barry Bonds or Michael Jordan card. But, this collection was a new one on me! To think that this guy has the time and patience to rinse out each condiment wrapper, and catgorize it by type.

http://condiment.portablefolkband.com/packets.php

PLANS

God laughs when we make plans....

I thought I had it pretty well figured out. I had a plan. An agenda. A "to-do" list that would accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. A goal that I could reach. I felt comfortable with my new focus. I've come to the conclusion that God never wants us to "get comfortable". I think He delights in throwing conflicts into our dayplanners. It makes us trust Him. It allows Him to work through us in ways that we would not think of nor give energy to if left on our own. We are stretched...but growing pains are uncomfortable, even painful at times. As I look back at my carefully made plans that do not even make sense anymore, I realize how important they seemed at the time, but now I'm seeing a bigger picture. I'm still not sure how the story ends...but I trust in the one who does.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his steps" Jeremiah 10:23

Manowe'

Terry & I served this afternoon/evening at Manowe. We helped prepare and serve dinner to one of the 5 Star Camps. I must say, it felt good to help Mary, the cook, who was sooooo appreciative to have us come and work with her. Many say they are going to come help...but don't show she told us. It's a lot of work to service Manowe like we do GCC...."With Excellence"!! What a great place! What a blessing! What a great outreaching facility that God is using!! Check it out!

WHAT??!!

Wow! That's all I can say after New Community last night!! I must admit I was shocked and disappointed in some of the survey results...but excited to hear that the church is meeting this problem "head on". I don't like change. I'll admit it. But, I am optimistic about what God is going to do through his people at GCC. Coming from a strict, Baptist background, it was hard for me to fathom that many of our attenders do not even "get" basic doctrine. Maybe it is time to pull the soft cushions off the pews and step on some toes. Will we lose some attenders? Maybe. But what we will gain will be more valuable and rewarding. May God get the Glory!!!

My Bum Knee *sigh*

"Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:2-3

Okay, I'll admit it. I had a pity party this morning. Sometimes it seems life doesn't give me a break. I know that isn't true...it just feels that way. I have recently started exercising hard...joined a Bootcamp...and was really feeling good about the progress I was making. Then that darn right knee, that has given me fits in the past, decided to ache...then hurt bad, then I heard and felt the telltale snap. Yikes. Working for an orthopedic surgeon, I know that I probably have torn my meniscus. So now I'm wearing a brace, eating anti-inflammatories and feeling sorry for myself. I'm praying for healing. And very timidly, I'm praying for patience. I'm going to try to press on with the bootcamp--only 2 more weeks to go--I'm counting on God being with me "every step I take".

Mr. Bean should come to GCC....

Swing

When I was a little girl one of my favorite spots was on my backyard swing. I would swing for hours daydreaming about things that little girls daydream about...growing up, living in my own apartment in a big city, how I would furnish that apartment, what I would do for fun. I'd think about who I'd marry (either David Cassidy or whatever pre-teen hearthrob was "hot" at the time!)how many kids I'd have, etc, etc.
Sometimes I'd make up songs...singing them at the top of my lungs in time with the swaying of the swing. (I liked rock songs since I'd have to swing harder.)
I still like the swing. As an adult I will sit on my back porch swing and get lost in my thoughts. I think God speaks to me the loudest when I am quiet and on my swing. Or maybe I just listen better. Nevertheless, I always feel a little calmer, more at peace, and that everything is alright with the world...on my swing.

My Reflection

"The Bible is a mirror. You will never see who you really are until you see yourself in here (the Bible)." Dr. Bob

Wow. What does my reflection say about me? Do I see myself in God's Word? Why do I feel like I'm always falling short of what he wants me to become? Thank you God for not giving up on me...I'll keep trying to do better.

When all else fails....eat pizza!

Spent the weekend in Nashville, Tennessee with my grandson, Alex. What fun watching him discover his world! After a frustrating week, it was a welcomed treat to observe Alex playing outside, exploring his "cardboard house", and eating pizza! I was feeling stuck in my circumstances but I remembered some insights from Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli:
"Getting stuck can be the best thing that could happen to us, because it forces us to stop....
We cannot grow without first giving up and letting go. Getting stuck forces us to see the futility of our situation and to put life in perspective so that we can move on."
It's time to move on, explore this life and let God have control....and eat pizza!

My Movie

Last week at the women's retreat, Dr Bob asked the question "If there was a movie made of your life--how would you feel about it?"

I've thought about that alot this week. Would my life be classified as a"romantic comedy"? Or a"drama"? At times I think "horror flick" would adequately describe it!! (just kidding!). I think it would keep the audience in suspense...never knowing what is going to happen next. You think you have the plot all figured out and then whammy a turn in events. This week has ended in a cliffhanger...but I'm confident in the happy ever after ending.

Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Prayer

No ocean can hold it back.

No river can overtake it.

No whirlwind can go faster.

No army can defeat it.

No law can stop it.

No distance can slow it.

No disease can cripple it.

No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the power of prayer.

Everyone needs a Goal in Life...

Springtime at Linton's

Ahhhhh! Even though it is wet and cold today I experienced a taste of spring as I sat in on a"Gardening with Annuals "seminar at one of my favorite places. Seeing all the green plants that are blooming and the new flowers that promise color in my gardens gave me hope that spring will be here shortly. Now, where is that sun???????

Courage

Wow, God. I re-read last Friday's post and realized that I never suspected that this week would bring even more discouraging news. I felt defeated, God. What is happening to your people? Your kingdom? Why are you allowing your name to be drug through the mud by those who call you ABBA? Then I went to New Community last evening...and you spoke to me through Dr. Bob. You reminded me that I, without you, am not strong enough to take on Satan. But Satan is ALWAYS on your mind...You are constantly "taking on" the enemy. I was reminded to be strong and courageous. Thank you, God, for reminding me that ...the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."
"Love that comes to my rescue is courage". Dr. Bob L.

Fearful? Get Busy!

I'm sitting here this morning with my cup of coffee. Thinking. Praying. So many unknowns are flying around in my head...a windstorm of thoughts and concerns. Will my friend's marriage survive this recent betrayal? Is my dad going to receive a good report at the oncologist's office today? Will I still be working at my present job in 6 months? And what about these elections....and the economy...and the increase in crimes. As I look at the calendar it states it is spring but it sure doesn't feel like it! God, I try to remember that you are in control of all things...but I get too caught up in what is happening around me. When I think back of all the things I've feared in the past, my biggest fear is always of the unknown. I came across this quote: "Inaction breeds doubt and fear, Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." -Dale Carnegie
I like that. I will go and get busy now.

Wishin' for Warmth

It's cold, wet, rainy...and I even see some slushy snow coming down...maybe if I close my eyes and click my heels three times and repeat "There's no place like the beach, there's no place like the beach, there's.....". *sigh*

The Punishment that brought us Peace

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

"When did you assume that sin affects only the sinner."

"Sometimes the way is difficult because of me..."

"(My) forgiveness was purchased at a great price...the death of Christ" Mark Beeson-Holy Thursday

Idol Hoopla

Yup, it's decided.....David Cook has MY vote!!!! Carly is coming in a close second....(just in case you were wondering).

It's the little things.....

Yeah!! It is 53 degrees today...and sunny!!! I bought myself a pair of flip-flops!

Psalm 147:12Jerusalem, worship God! Zion, praise your God! He made your city secure, he blessed your children among you. He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables. He launches his promises earthward— how swift and sure they come! He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, He broadcasts hail like birdseed— who can survive his winter? Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter—suddenly it's spring!

So you've had a bad day......

2 Corinthians 4:17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

A Shift for Oprah????

Oprah, what is up with you? I used to be a fan. When the show was the interviewing of celebs, discusssing how to make relationships better, how to look 10 pounds lighter without dieting, but Oprah seems to have really jumped on the New Age band wagon. First it was the promotion of the book The Secret, now it is the 10 week on line course of study on Eckhart Tolle's new book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.
Apparently Mr. Tolle is an "essential spritual teacher, the father of now" (whatever that means!). He wants to help us get in touch with the stillness within ourselves and discover what the greater purpose wants from me rather than what I want from the greater purpose. (Isn't that what we Christians call meditating on God's Word??) According to the book:
"Any life-form in any realm-mineral, vegetable, animal, or human-can be said to undergo "enlightenment." It is, however, an extrememly rare occurrence since it is more than an evolutionary progression: It also implies a discontinuity in its development, a leap to an entirely different level of Being and, most important, a lessening of materiality." HUH???
"Once there is a certain degree of Prescence, of still and alert attention in human beings' perceptions, they can sense the divine life essense, the one indwelling consciousness of spirit in every creature, every life-form, recognize it as one with their own essence and so love it as themselves." ALRIGHTY THEN.....

The goal of this book and Oprah's 10 week on-line class is to bring about a "shift in consciousness, that is to say, to awaken." BUT ( and I guess this is a very, Big BUT...)..."it can only awaken those who are ready. Not everyone is ready yet, but many are, and with each person who awakens, the momentum in the collective consciousness grows." YUP, I GUESS THAT WOULD BE ME.....ONE WHO IS NOT READY.

The scarey part of all this is the big following Oprah has. People tend to follow her blindly. If she promotes it , it must be good. YIKES!!

3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. I Timothy 6:3

Thou Shall Not Steal

What an interesting day...I spent the day inside this courthouse as part of a 7 person jury which would decide the fate of a man facing a felony charge for theft. When I arrived this morning for the jury selection I was crammed into a very small room with 19 other people of different shapes and sizes. No one talked. Just sized each other up. There was the guy who had the ZZTop lookin' beard. The gal with the gray vinyl sweatsuit that looked like she should be boarding a space shuttle. My favorite person to watch was the "Mr. Bean guy". Yup, had his mannerisms, walk, even that tiny grin...But, eventually, all those people left and the chosen ones remained!
The judge was great...very informative and gracious. So was the bailiff. The attorneys did their best to present their cases. One for the defendant, one against. Not to bore anyone with details...the case was interesting but I was distressed that so much attention (& tax payers money!) was going towards this case. It seemed more like miscommunication to me rather than "knowingly exerting unauthorized control over the property of ----with the intent to deprive----of any part of its value or use."
So after several hours, and having one of the jurors decide he needed to vomit during the closing arguments....the jury went into the deliberation room and after discussing the case for awhile decided that we could not prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
I was surprised tonight to attend New Community and hear Dr. Bob speak on thou shall not steal. Wow...
God provided an awesome object lesson for me today...and for once, I didn't have to learn it the hard way!!

Self-Image

What IS it about a haircut & color that makes one feel a little better about oneself??? Seriously, guys may not understand this but after an afternoon at the salon...I walk straighter, look in the mirror more often, do that little "hair flippy thing" and smile at everyone. Who AM I???? Was this the same person that was grumbling this morning over needing to lose 10+ pounds? Searching through my closet at the same old clothes...absolutely nothing to wear! Jotting down the name of that new facial cream that advertises "wrinkles and fine lines disappear like magic"!
Such a little thing...chemicals & scissors. I am thankful for those who know how to use them!!

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God Proverbs 31

BORED

What IS there to do in this town in the middle of February??? I work, go to the gym, go to church twice a week, maybe grab a bite to eat with friends....same old scenario. My husband bought tickets to U2-3D...Yah, something to look forward to!!! But no! It was cancelled!!! The last couple of Netflix movies haven't done anything for me...I am trying to avoid the mall (thank you very much Dave Ramsey)...Yes, I think it is official. I have come down with a case of the winter blues! YUCK!!!

My Valentine

"...God has no favorites, that no matter where you're coming from and what you've done and who've you've been with and how badly you've screwed it up, the cross is the place where God looks past it all and forgives and accepts and wipes the slate clean.....In matters of love, it's as if God has agreed to play by the same rules we do. God can do anything--that's what makes God, God. But God can't do everything. God can't make us love him-that's our choice." Sex God-by Rob Bell
'

Faith

Is Your Faith In Your Fear?by Jon Walker
“But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27, NIV)
Across the breadth of the Bible, God consistently sends the message, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
The Bible reveals that God knows we tend toward fear, particularly as we respond to uncertainty and change. Yet the Bible also reveals that God is the only unchanging certainty in this world – or out of it.
Yet, is it possible we have more faith in our fear than we do in God?
No matter how complex life becomes, it still comes down to this basic choice: Will we place our confidence in the All-Powerful Supreme Being and Sole Authority of the Universe, or will we place greater confidence in our fears?
Although the choice is black-or-white basic, God knows it’s not simple. It involves a challenging stretch, and that’s why God continually reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
God is clear that our abilities, our resources – even a belief in the myth of luck – will not be what strengthens us for the journey. (Philippians 4:13) We fear we can’t do the things God calls us to do, and we fear that God will not protect us or provide for us. We choose this fear, embracing the unholy lie that our circumstances are bigger than the One True God.
Our faith in God gets placed on the altar of our own perceptions when we should be placing our perceptions on the altar of unflinching faith.
If you’re like me, you often fear what’s behind the curtain of God’s call, and God – frustratingly – won’t let me peek behind the curtain, and so:
Our fear shouts – “Pay no attention to the God behind the curtain; he’s just another wizard from Oz, using smoke and mirrors to give you the illusion of power and grace.”
Our God whispers – In that still, small voice, he calls us to develop confidence in him; he calls us to abandon the confidence we have in what we see and the confidence we have in our fears. God keeps the curtain of our future drawn so we will learn to live by faith and not by sight, so we will become certain of what we hope for and become sure of God, even when we cannot see how he’s working in our current circumstances. (Hebrews 11:1)

Whew! I read this devotional this morning and it hit me between the eyes! I am such a creature of habit and I hate the uncertainty of the unknown. How often do I awake in the middle of the night with my mind raising with questions of what's to come? Job situation...economy...health of family...friends that are struggling...my inadequacies. I was once again reminded today to "live by faith and not by sight". Amen.

GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING!!!!!

DO NOT SWALLOW CHEWING GUM!!

(I know, I know, this is soooo wrong, but I couldn't resist....it IS funny!!!!)

A Cracked Pot

We are jars of clay, chipped and blemished, fragile by God’s design in order to show the glorious light of God shining through our cracks and crevices. People should look at us and say, “What’s this? That plain jar of clay isn’t creating such a glorious light; it must be the light of heaven contained within. The peace and joy and love I see in that light must be from God.”

Hmmm...what do people see when they see me? Somedays I feel pretty "cracked" and "unlovely". My fragile side shows more often than not. I pray that God's light shows through all my chipped and cracked edges. Help me, Lord, to concentrate more on my insides where your light is contained. Use this blemished vessel for your purpose and glory. I do want to be more than a "cracked pot". Thanks.

Choices

Dr. Bob gave us a challenge last night at New Community....."Make choices in 2008 that you will never regret."
I accept that challenge. I will need God's help. I don't always make the best choices. I say the wrong things...at the wrong times. I don't do what I should. I do what I should not. Sometimes I'm *gulp* selfish. Dr. Bob said that he wrote the word "grace" on the rock that he received last week from Jason Miller. I think I will write "choices" on mine....as a reminder.

The Shack

I just finished reading THE SHACK by William P. Young. Wow. I usually do not read alot of fiction. Yet this piece made me think and examine how I see God, Jesus and the Spirit. At times I forgot that I was reading fiction and I began to examine my ideas of why God does what He does with what Papa tried to help Mackenzie understand. I could relate with Mackenzie...it's must easier to put God in a box and expect Him to act/react in preconceived "spiritual" ways.

I recall Mackenzie questioning God on his choice of music--a secular funky dance tune--and I loved His reply.."I listen to everything-and not just to the music itself but the hearts behind it." (kinda what GCC has been saying for years!!).

When Mackenzie questioned God about the murder of his daughter God assured him that He did not allow that to happen. He did not cause that because it was part of His perfect will (how many times do Christians console each other with those statements!) but He would use the tragedy and redeem it even though Mackenzie may never know how.

Many interesting thoughts/ideas were raised for me in this book. I have to admit it was not what I expected...but each of us have our own "shack" wherein we each find God & grace.

Good bye 2007

Romans 8:12So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

2007---*whew* what a year!! A year that was filled with "down in the valley" times and "mountain top experiences". A year where God revealed Himself to me in ways He never had. He took me out of my comfort zone. He made me dependant upon Him. He allowed me to see people, circumstances, grace....like I never had before. He gave me another title (Grandma) that brings with it new responsibilities and joys. He renewed my faith and strengthened my love for my family and my church family. He brought new friends into my life and showed me the value of "old" ones. All in all...I'm glad 2007 is over and I'm ready to move into 2008. I think my God has great things in store for me and I'm anxious to unwrap his presents!!!!

Question to ponder.......

Christmas question – How would you view the circumstances of this Christmas season differently if you were certain God was working in your circumstances? “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

Christmas in Chicago

Terry & I took the Amtrak train into Chicago yesterday. It was a beautiful winter day to enjoy the Christmas sights. Popping into some of my favorite stores like Crate & Barrell and Pottery Barn to get ideas, eating deep dish chicago pizza at Giordano's, checking out the highly decorated Macey's, and a stop to rest aching feet at Starbucks (love the peppermint mochas!!) Of course, a trip to Chicago is never complete without a stop a Garretts for the chicago mix popcorn!! All in all a very enjoyable day (even though Terry did come home with a blister or two!)

Mr. Grinch

Feeling like a "Grinch" this holiday season??? I have to admit I have had my moments...and we are barely into all the hustle & bustle!!! If I WAS a Grinch my name would be:

"Miserlygrinch Fussyhead" To find out what yours would be check out this fun site:

http://www.yourgeekfriend.com/GrinchName/GrinchName.php

Winter Blues

Ecclesiastes 7:13Take a good look at God's work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation's curves and angles To a plain straight line?

As much as I dislike winter...it is coming. I am looking out my window and seeing blue-gray skies and swirly (is that a word?) snow. And it is cold!!!!!!! I've come to realize that God gives us the cold dark seasons so we can really appreciate the warm lighthearted ones. He has shown me that time and time again in my life yet each winter I complain once again. When will I learn that God has a purpose for all seasons. He is good...ALL the time!!!!!

Our Church Family

"Love your brothers and sisters in God's family" I Peter 2:17b

We are a family forged in the fires of God’s love, and we are to “be devoted to each other like a loving family” (Romans 12:10a GW). We are to love one another like brothers and sisters. This sense of family togetherness allows us to create authentic Christian community – where we are accepted, supported, and challenged to fully live out the purposes of our lives. We belong, and we help others believe they belong.
Family is synonymous with a deep, unwavering commitment to support one another, no matter how rough it may get. You do things for family that you wouldn’t do for anyone else – and you make allowances for family members that you might not make for anyone else.

Thanks, GCC!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings

My husband & I have devotions each morning. This morning we examined what it means to be blessed. Kinda appropriate being that Thanksgiving is almost upon us and even though the "world" sees the day as an excuse to stuff yourself and watch football, most of us will contemplate our many blessings. I found it interesting when I realized that being blessed does not mean I am "untroubled, healthy, admired, or prosperous". It means that all is well between me and my God. That I am content in God while I weep over a body that is sick, a mind that isn't as sharp as it used to be, a spirit that is crushed, or a relationship that causes hurt. I learned today that "the blessing is not that he gives us what we want but that he gives us himself, especially in our painful places". In that....I am truly blessed!!

Pre-Christmas Jitters

" Look, Charlie, let's face it. We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It's run by a big eastern syndicate, you know"...Lucy Van Pelt (PEANUTS)

The holiday season is fast approaching and I must admit I am dragging my feet....

It is not that I don't like Christmas but I do find myself longing for a simpler version of the holiday season. Less focus on "to do" lists. More focus on reflection. If Christmas really does start in the heart...I guess it will be what I make it. If I really believe that the day belongs to Jesus, then, well, I'll give it back to Him. So I've purposed in my spirit to de-stress my holiday season. I'm hoping my flesh agrees.

Just a random thought......

Have you ever wondered about the person(s) who wrote this song??? Curious.


Lyrics for: Bohemian Rhapsody

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, No escape from reality. Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see, I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy, Because I'm easy come, easy go, little high, little low, Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me. Mama, just killed a man, Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he's dead. Mama, life had just begun, But now I've gone and thrown it all away. Mama, ooh, didn't mean to make you cry, If I'm not back again this time tomorrow, Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters. Too late, my time has come, Sends shivers down my spine, body's aching all the time. Goodbye, ev'rybody, I've got to go, Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth. Mama, ooh, I don't want to die, I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all. I see a little silhouetto of a man, Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango. Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very fright'ning me. (Galileo.) Galileo. (Galileo.) Galileo, Galileo figaro Magnifico. I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me. He's just a poor boy from a poor family, Spare him his life from this monstrosity. Easy come, easy go, will you let me go. Bismillah! No, we will not let you go. (Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let me go.) Will not let you go. (Let me go.) Will not let you go. (Let me go.) Ah. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. (Oh mama mia, mama mia.) Mama mia, let me go. Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me. So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye. So you think you can love me and leave me to die. Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby, Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here. Nothing really matters, anyone can see, Nothing really matters, Nothing really matters to me. Any way the wind blows.

What exactly IS a Bismillah????

halloween

B O O !!!!!!!

".....I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME....." PS 23:4b

MEATHEADS

"One always looks neat, in a hat made from meat."
-Mark Twain

"Charmer"

I just spent the weekend with my grandbaby, Alex. We had a lot of fun reading books, playing, and exploring the Nashville sites. He seemed to be the center of attention wherever we went. Whether it was breakfast at the Loveless Cafe or the local Harley Davidson dealership, he seemed to be able to turn on the southern charm!!!

THE MOVIES

Ahhh...who doesn't love the movies!!?? A time to get lost in another time or place and forget the day to day grind. Sometimes I enjoy a comedy and sometimes I prefer action/adventure. And yes, I even love to cry over a chick-flick every now and then! I found this list of movie cliches that made me chuckle...enjoy!!

HOW COME IN THE MOVIES.....

Glasses never collect moisture when you come in from the cold outside.

People never cough, sneeze, blow their noses, or show any other symptoms of being in less than perfect health.

You can eat as much as you want in a film and you'll never EVER have to go to the bathroom

Bombs always have big, blinking, beeping timer displays. Evil geniuses who devise bombs to destroy things/people are always thoughtful enough to include a visible display (usually LED) of how much time remains before the bomb detonates, giving the hero accurate feedback on exactly how much time remains.

A car will always explode when shot at, unless the hero is driving it.

No one ever runs out of gas (even in long car chases). Corollary: every stolen car has a full gas tank and gets great gas mileage.

All movie women try to run in heels, never stopping to kick them off.

Whenever anyone knocks out anyone else and takes their clothes, it's always a flawless fit. When you go to rob a bank in a film, you will always choose the teller who has just started his or her first day on the job.

All movie mothers will prepare a breakfast, usually consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. Dad and the kids will invariably arrive at the table 30 seconds before Dad has to leave for the office and the kids have to catch the school bus. Each will have time only for a sip of coffee/juice and/or one bite of toast. There must be enough food left over in these homes to feed an emerging nation!

People never get out of the house when there is obvious danger there (ghosts, murderers). The hero will always get shot in the shoulder, yet will be able to use his arm.

A kid can fend for himself even if his parents have gone to Paris, leaving him with no food, electricity, heat, money, etc.

Any person waking from a nightmare will sit bolt upright ("boing!") in bed. Instead of just lying there going "eeewww!" as most of us do. .

Whenever a woman announces to her husband/boyfriend that she's pregnant, it comes as a complete surprise to him, whether pleasantly or otherwise.
No one is in labor for hours and hours... they pop out babies in a matter of minutes.

Whenever anyone in a movie goes shopping, they always come back with stuff sticking out of the top of the shopping bag, usually carrot tops and French bread.

In any type of sport movie, a player on the field can look up into a crowd of 1 billion and immediately spot their loved one.

cancer

I just spent the last hour in a hospital room visiting an old friend who is dying of cancer. What a dreadful disease. Cancer strips you. Not only of hair and body mass but of dignity. You eat from a bag. You eliminate waste into a bag. There are tubes every place there is room to place a tube. But as I sat there talking with my friend and reminiscing about old times there was a sense of joy. Cancer can not take a person's soul. It can not strip you of the joy of knowing that there is a better place being prepared for you. It can not take the fact that you matter to God away. My friend feels like she is in a "win-win" situation....either way she will go home from that hospital room. In this war--cancer will lose.

PROPHECY

Cool video from Matchbox Twenty...what are they trying to tell us?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlqfpPf_EO0&feature=dir

REASSURANCE

But this uniqueness goes beyond giftedness; it reaches as well into the depth of each of our experiences in life. No one else has your life. No one else has your pain, your hardship, your joys and sorrows. Everything in life shapes us and we are shaped by everything for a reason – so that we can touch others in a unique way based upon who we are and what we’ve been through. God doesn’t waste anything in our lives.
Every piece of our lives and experiences can be used of Christ to touch someone else. We were made for each other; we live for each other; we even die for each other. We die with hope so that others who live might see the reality of Christ in even the darkest of hours. God uses everything.
Are you just getting by, or are you living for a reason? Think about your unique gifts and ask yourself how those gifts are benefiting others. What specific way is God using you to touch others in the Body of Christ? Do you seem to have an extra measure of wisdom, or mercy, or discernment, or knowledge, or administration, or desire to serve? These will help determine how you can look for opportunities to help others.
And then think about the things you have gone through so far in your life – especially the difficult or challenging things where God has met you with his presence and power. That information is not just for you, it’s for you to empathize with and encourage others who have encountered similar struggles.
God isn’t messing around here. There are no accidents with our lives. Whatever we have received and experienced has shaped who we are, and because of that, we are qualified servants. There is truly no one else like you … for a reason. --John Fischer

Right on!!!

The Test

God has such a sense of humor. Like when He has me read Psalm 139 at New Community---you know, the verse where it says "cross examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about..."yeah, that one. Then He puts people/situations in my life where I have to struggle to respond/react in a way that will be, shall I say, God Honoring?? He brought some dirt to the surface. Ways in me that are NOT His ways. I have some work to do. *sigh*

FRIDAY

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy Fridays?? No, not the restaurant, although it is a great eating establishment...I mean Friday. My day to myself. I do not go to my job on Fridays. I get up when I want, drink an extra cup of coffee, watch the Today show and spend a little extra time in the Word on Friday. I usually talk to my son on Friday morning while he is stuck in Nashville traffic. Sometimes, I shop. Sometimes I meet a friend for lunch. Sometimes I simply enjoy being at home. I might finish that great book on Friday. I may take a long walk. I may download some songs on the IPOD. No agenda. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy Fridays??

RENEWAL

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint"

Jeremiah 31:25

Thank you, Lord, for this time of relaxation and renewal...Let me go forth now with more energy and purpose in my steps and a new determination to do whatever it is you have for me to do.

Thank you for the beauty you showed me this week...and the calmness that is within my reach if I just seek it.

A Reminder

Jeremiah 17:8 (New Living Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

We lost our pretty Bradford Pear tree in a storm this past week. We had purchased it over 4 years ago as a sappling and had nurtured it and protected it through many a drought and storm. At this point in time we felt it was strong and secure.

Reminds me that I can never get too confident in my own security and strength. I, too, am fragile. A sudden storm can blow up at any time and topple me if my roots are not grounded and prepared.

"the office"

"E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business."

"This project is so important we can't let things that are more important interfere with it."

"No one will believe you solved this problem in one day! We've been working on it for months. "

"Now go act busy for a few weeks and I'll let you know when it's time to tell them!"

Quote from a Boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say."

After a "tough week at the office"...I'm looking forward to this next series at GCC. Hoping to gleen some valuable insight....

NASHVILLE HEAT

It's HOT in Nashville, Tennessee!!!! Temps are hovering around 100 degrees with heat indexes around 107!!! Alex doesn't seem to mind though...as momma says he's enjoying splish splashin' at a nearby pool!! Grandma's envious, Alex!!!!

What a Relief !!

"Whatever I do...I do because I love you"-God Evan Almighty

Romans 8:38 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

I had a conversation the other day with a guy that feels that the things that happen to us is directly related to how much God is loving us at the time...wow. Even though I do think that circumstances and situations may occur in our life in response to our own spiritual walk (or lack of) - I am reassurred over and over in scripture of God's continuing love for me. Thank you.

The Door

My husband hung a new front door on my house last year... Not only is it more inviting but I receive so much more cheery sunlight through the windows. Such a simple thing but it made such a difference! I think of the many who walked through the door at GCC this weekend...what a difference they have made with such a simple step!
John 10:6-10 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
6-10Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

FOCUS

"All right come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when He looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.--Matthew 14:29-30

Sometimes, I'm such a "Peter". I so miss the point of the miracles in my life and I focus on the daily storms. I focus so much on Jesus performing those miracles that I forget that He Is The Son Of God!!!! I need to step out of my boat and trust Him. Surrender, if you will. Again.
I argue with Him sometimes..."but God, I'm still feeling battered from the last storm!!".....and He tells me, gently but firmly, "I hear you, child. Keep your eyes focused on me and I will empower you to walk above these waves!"

The Simpsons

http://www.simpsonizeme.com/index.php

Apparently, this is a website where you can download your picture and they will make you into one of the Simpsons. The site is so busy that it is very difficult to get on. I'm not sure if I'm amused by this...or disturbed by this. Does anyone REALLY WANT to look like a Simpson??

I guess it could be a good conversation piece.."By the way, do you think I look more like Homer or Marge?"

Cool Music Video Site

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/TV/index.php?od=275#

St.Joe, Michigan

One of my favorite summer spots is St. Joseph, Michigan. My husband and I love to take our bikes up and ride around the town. We swing on the wooden swings while watching the boats . Sometimes we go down to the beach. But we always stop for ice cream before heading home. We were looking forward to this years Venetian Festival but we were so disappointed!!! The normally friendly people of St. Joe treated us so rudely as we looked to find a parking place or tried to accommodate all the new "rules" in place for this event. One way stairwells were heavily guarded and the bathrooms were padlocked with guards in place. We couldn't even enjoy some tempting "fair food" as our money wasn't accepted here. Only a ticket which had to be purchased at the other end of the boulevard. Few vendors set up their booths this year as compared to previous ones---have they experienced too many rules also?? We left with the decision to not attend next year's festival but to enjoy St. Joe as we have in the past....on a quiet Sunday afternoon without all the hullabaloo!!

Malachi

God--
I've been convicted since hearing the message this past weekend at GCC. As we read in Malachi , the point was "the way you treat somebody really reflects the way you feel about them." If you claim to have respect for someone, but treat them with contempt, your true feelings about them are revealed. Wow...my toes were stepped on, Lord. Is the way I feel about my loved ones consistent with how I treat them? Do they know I love and appreciate them? Do I encourage my co-workers? Do I really care about what is happening in the lives of the people who live next door to me? And how about you, God? Are you insulted when I don't give you my best? When I don't give you my best time, my best actions, my best attitudes.....
give me a nudge to remind me that you don't like "leftovers". You are worthy of my best!!!

Display of Faith

"I've faced a great tragedy, but have seen the works of what you bring.

A display of faith that you give, I don't know if I will ever understand

the depth of what it is you've done inside, but I know that I will never

find any worth apart from you". BEYOND MEASURE-JEREMY CAMP

Perspective

"Everybody follows somebody. All of us make decisions every day about what is important, how to treat people, and what to do with our lives. These decisions come from what we believe about every aspect of our existence. And we got our beliefs from somewhere. We have been formed, every one of us, by this complicated mix of people and places and things. Parents and teachers and artists and scientists and mentors- we are each taking all of these influences and living our lives according to which teachings we have made our own. Some insist they aren't influenced by any person or any religion, that they think for themselves. And that's an honorable perspective. The problem is they got that perspective from...somebody. They're following somebody even if they insist it is themselves they are following.

Everybody is following somebody. Everybody has faith in something and somebody.

We are all believers." Velvet Elvis--Rob Bell

LOVE & RESPECT

My husband and I have been reading this book together. At first, I was having some difficulty reconciling the "unconditional love" and "unconditional respect" concept. I mean, everyone knows that there must be unconditional love in a relationship, right? But respect must be earned. Not so, says Dr. Eggerichs. If I obey God's word...God will put forgiveness in my heart and the respect will follow. Hhmmmm.....I know that to be true. My job is to obey the Lord and not worry about the "logs in my husband's eye"...I have my own to contend with. "Forgiving is the direct opposite of judging. Nothing is easier than judging, nothing is harder than forgiving, and nothing can reap more blessings."

I recently purchased a GPS for my husband. He has enjoyed using it to find the shortest route to IHOP, our church, and some of our friend's houses. It's interesting how it seems to know the best/fastest/most direct way to go---and if we veer off the chosen path---it quickly rethinks our positioning and gets us on the right track again. God tries to guide me that way also. I don't always listen. I seem to know what is best, fastest, what works for me...then I find that I am lost. He gently guides me and gets me on the right track again. Sometimes painfully. But I'm always relieved to be back on the right road.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

FEELINGS

I started getting these "Purpose Driven Life" devotionals some time ago. They are awesome...and always seem to be just what I need at any given time. I read the devotional from June 8th over and over. How many times do my "feelings" not match up with what God wants from me. 'I don't feel like it, God'....'I'm not ready yet'.....'maybe later but not now'. God wants us to do the right thing...and the feelings will come later!!!! . http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/devarchive.aspx?ARCHIVEID=2252