Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Rob Bell Interview with CNN Blog Writer

I find this whole controversy over Bell's book so fascinating for some reason. One of the things I appreciate about him...something I found lacking in Evan's "Evolving in Monkey Town"...is that he takes his questions to God. He wrestles with God in his intimate relationship with Him as opposed to simply changing his "bullet points" to ease his angst.

CNN Blog

Monday, March 28, 2011

Volleyball Preps!!!

I've been getting the info ready for our team to sign up for the sand league. I'm already getting the shakes to play!! I've been trying to lift weights at Snap to be a bit more prepared and will soon start increasing the cardio. Oh my gosh...I want to play soooo badly. Time is going way to slowly...AHHH!

Compliments...

Do you ever find that you can't take a compliment? I sure do!...and I can't figure out why??? I love to give compliments to others (I think people too often don't realize how amazing they are...), but when it comes to receiving them, I'm really bad at it. REALLY bad. I get all flustered and uncomfortable, have no idea what to say/do, etc. It's so embarassing!

Is it my inner Scandinavian coming out??? So weird.

I got one after a meeting last night. The people involved knew, of course, that I struggle with this, so they basically cornered me and told me to brace myself. HAHA!!! Aaaaaand, like clockwork, I heard it...and freaked.

*sigh*

Maybe there are meds for this... ;)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

"Love Wins"

Well, I just finished the book that has created so much controversy in the American Evangelical church..."Love Wins". Rob Bell, it should be noted, didn't set out to cause a ruckus at all, but it most evidently has struck a few nerves.

I'M GLAD...but I digress... ;)

Let me get one thing straight before I freak anyone out...I strongly disagree with the accusation that Bell has decided there is no hell and is a universalist. Read it...see for yourself. That's NOT what he's saying in my opinion. Frankly, the "hell" portion of the book reminded me of "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis. Nothing new. What it appears he IS critiquing, without explicitely saying so, is the evangelical notion of reducing/summarizing the work of Christ to a final destination question (Wanna go to heaven or wanna go to hell?) which positions the believer to survive life here in the hopes of "later".

i.e. small perspective...small Jesus...few experience God to the degree they were made to TODAY and thus don't change the world TODAY...

Bell is proposing a re-ordering, saying more that hell/heaven/"later" shouldn't be the main point by which we frame our living and our mission. A "perk" shouldn't be the main point...but apparently it's the whole enchilada for a TON...and needs to be??...Hmm... I can't figure out why that is the case yet. Still need to think on that...

What I have to say, though, is how much of a relief this has been for me. I felt little to no need to agree 100% with whatever Bell said and more revelled in the notion that there are others out there that have been sensing that Jesus came for soooo much more and opened the doors to amazingly more than we ever dreamed. It has felt so lonely sharing my faith explosion with many of the evangelical sort (not all!!!). By 'explosion', I mean going from a match stick flame to an out-of-control wild fire. Wild in a good way... ;) ...well, except to those who need to live as "sinners saved from the fires of hell by the grace and mercy of God"... No, my life with God makes them nervous...?

"I am my beloved's and He is mine." This has moved from a verse to a concept to an actual, present-day reality for me (more and more all the time). It involves an adventure into what it means that Jesus lived as "fully human" (making "human" such a powerfully beautiful thing that beckons to my unfortunate choices to live less than human...what an offer to know more!!!), a call back to God's heartbeat in Eden, an invitation to live as a daughter of a good Father...all moving from "bullet point" concepts to a possible reality...one that utterly changes how I see, hear, act...TODAY...one that makes me more and more courageous in mysteries because of WHO He is...

I'm pretty sure I won't ever be coming back, and if that makes me the next heretic...well, it is what it is.

Why Write Something Like This?

*sigh*, *shakes head*, *rolls eyes* What to say...  I'm pretty sure we were NOT seeing God pump up and show off His muscles for that one... Not cool. See why I want to change my faith label so much sometimes???

Ugh

Devo Day 6: Being Fathered Creates Mission...

Reference:

1 John 3:1; 16-18

1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

(New International Version, ©2011, http://www.biblegateway.com/)

Thoughts:

Most people know about Martin Luther King Jr., his mission to expose the problem of racism through non-violence, and his untimely death. There’s a little known story about him, though, in which God “fathered” him. Early on in his stand, he received a death threat over the phone. They said that if he didn’t stop what he was pursuing, they would kill his family and would kill him. Sitting at the kitchen table with his wife and children fast asleep in the other room, he was faced with a crisis of belief. He had his conviction, but at that point it was based on a religion and not a relationship. Well, he completely broke down and began pleading with God.

“And I discovered then that religion had to become real to me, and I had to know God for myself. And I bowed down over that cup of coffee. I never will forget it. . . . I prayed a prayer, and I prayed out loud that night. I said, "Lord, I'm down here trying to do what's right. I think I'm right. I think the cause that we represent is right. But Lord, I must confess that I'm weak now. I'm faltering. I'm losing my courage."

. . . And it seemed at that moment that I could hear a voice saying to me, "Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo I will be with you, even until the end of the world." . . . I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone. No never alone. No never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.” (Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey).

We know he proceeded from that moment of intimacy with God. He charged forth into mission.

The same is true for us! Out of our Father-child relationship with God comes mission. General and specific callings straight from His heart can and will come from our willingness to be fathered by Him.

Reflection:

Do you have a sense of mission in your life? Has the Father shown you the next step to take? Dive in to your relationship with Him and accept your mission.

Optional Song: “I will Follow” by Chris Tomlin

“Rock What You Got” by Superchick

Friday, March 25, 2011

Another Article About The Controversy...

Article on Rob Bell

Devo Day 5: The "Our"...

Reference:

Malachi 2:10

10 Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?

1 John 4:7

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Ephesians 4:3

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

(New International Version, ©2011, http://www.biblegateway.com/)

Thoughts:

I experienced a great challenge this week. A clash of beliefs among believers ironically pertaining to mercy. It was so frustrating!! Out of it came so much judgment. People who were supposed to “love your neighbor” positioned themselves for bitter criticism instead of sitting at the table of conversation. In anger I reacted with a notion to withdraw. I’d had enough of these “losers”. God, my good Father, reminded me of mercy done HIS way. His beautiful mercy applied to the lost was also extended to the “found”…even His kids that find it so difficult to get along.

Why is it that brothers and sisters in Christ make fists rather than grab hands? It seems to be one of Satan’s greatest victories in the church…driving in stakes to cut the “ties that bind”. It’s not just him though. We too easily agree with his lies.

God made us to be “we”. It’s worth fighting for…

Reflection:

How are your relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Is there something more you could do to preserve the bond of peace in community?

Optional Song: “The Servant Song” by The Maranatha Singers

“That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick

Thursday, March 24, 2011

THIS is going to get interesting...

The Future of Evangelicalism

Devo Day 4: He Sees All...

Reference:

Isaiah 40 – Comfort for God’s People

Thoughts:

I drove my niece home from school the other day. When we pulled in the driveway, I told her that I wouldn’t leave until she was inside the house. She collected all of her things, and as she climbed out she asked, “Auntie, will you watch me ALL the way from the car to the house?”. “Absolutely!!”, I said. Well, the little police officer in her made sure I was telling the truth. As she walked, she literally watched me watching her…all...the…way…to…the…door. It was an absolute miracle that she didn’t fall over while making sure I wasn’t a liar. I had to laugh because it was so cute! Well, she finally made it to the door, smiled and waved me on. I passed the test!!

Sometimes I wish I could do the same thing to God. Haha! I wish I could know for sure that He is watching us stumble through this life. The moments when something amazing happens and you really want your Dad to be watching. The moments when we suffer. Knowing He’s watching gives me confidence to keep going, you see. Knowing He’s watching makes me feel less…alone.

Well, it’s true. He IS watching. He sees all and knows all. But even more than that…He’s present! He is “God with us”. Sometimes we just plain know it. We feel his presence. Sometimes we just need to open the “eyes of our hearts” to see it. Like a sunrise with your name on it. Other times, though, we have an opportunity to walk in trust…

Reflection:

Is there a situation where you need to remember that your good Father sees all and knows all? How would it change things to know that in your heart?

Optional Song: “He Knows My Name” by Paul Baloche

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Friday

Honestly!!!! When I saw this video for the first time, I thought it was a public service message about the importance of wearing seat belts!!! I thought it was going to end in a wreck!!!! Oops....hehe.

Devo Day 3: What's in a name...

Reference:
Exodus 3:13-14

13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Proverbs 18:10

10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

(New International Version, ©2011, http://www.biblegateway.com/)

Thoughts:

I like to know the real names of celebrities. It makes them “real people” again. Some are a little shocking, making me wonder what in the world their parents were thinking!!! Some are a little humorous, so I get a good giggle. Kirk Douglas, for example, is really Issur Danielovitch Demsky. I can’t even begin to pronounce that. There’s one that’s been fascinating to watch over the years. He’s a popular rap artist. Over the course of his career, he’s been “Diddy”, “P. Diddy”, “Puff Daddy”, “Puffy”, and the latest one, “Dirty Money” and/or “P. Diddy Dirty Money”. Ummm…WHAT?? I makes me wonder if he even knows who he really is any more. Interestingly, in a recent song he writes about how frustrating it has been to find that it’s easier for him to be his celebrity identity than his true self…Sean John Combs.

Well, for all the names that God calls Himself in the Bible, there isn’t one that is a lie. Not one. He…is…His…name. He doesn’t have an identity crisis going on…“I am Who I am!” In fact, His name is even something we can stand on and in, firmly setting our identity and our circumstances there. When He is called Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord is Peace), He is who He is. When He is called El-Roi (The Strong One Who Sees), He is who He is. He is also Alpha and Omega (The Beginning and the End), Jehovah-Jireh (The God Who Provides), Abba (Daddy)…

Reflection:

What is a name for God that you find difficult to trust? Bring that to Him and begin the journey to knowing “I am Who I am!”

Optional Song: “You are Holy” by Michael W. Smith

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Devo Day 2: Making Things Right With The Father...

Reference:

Jeremiah 3:19

19 “How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me.”

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

1 John 4:16

16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

(New International Version, ©2011, http://www.biblegateway.com/)

Thoughts:

The point of the cross is what’s on the other side of the cross. It’s a horrid and beautiful gate to something else. By that, though, I actually don’t mean heaven or hell. While important, they are farther down the list than we often think. The atonement for sin restores. It returns us to fellowship with the Father TODAY. A life where we can walk with God and rule. We interact with the Trinity, hear Him tell us who we are, walk forward and change the world. Let’s get real and get moving!!

Reflection:

Is there anything that needs to be brought to the cross so you can walk through to all that’s on the other side? Spend some time with your Father. He’s excited to meet you there. Perhaps you need to share this with a brother or sister in Christ. We are made for the encouragement and support of community!

Optional Song: “Came to my Rescue” by Hillsong United

Monday, March 21, 2011

Devo Day 1: In His Embrace...

Reference: Luke 15:11-20 - The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

(New International Version, ©2011, http://www.biblegateway.com/)

Thoughts:

For years I have read this story and focused on the son. I identify with walking away, finding my own “pig pen” and then making that repentant turn to come home. I will never forget the moment I realized, though, how much our Father reveals about HIMSELF in this passage. Re-read it if you need to!

He’s the Father that’s yearning…

He’s the Father that’s running towards us…

He’s the Father of the embrace…

Jesus didn’t come to only tell us ABOUT his Dad. He came to open the door for US to be restored to our heavenly Dad too!!! His cross made that possible. We too can live EVERY SINGLE DAY out of that relationship. It’s so much more than any of us ever dreamed. It’s life in the embrace…

Reflection:

Do you live a life marked by the embrace of the Father? Is there a particular situation in your life that needs the “embrace”? Invite Him into that. What are some practical steps you can take to move towards the “embrace” in that situation?

Optional Song: “Amazed” by Desperation Band (Jared Anderson)

Devo Intro

Introduction:

God is always speaking…to us directly, through the Bible, through others, through songs, in nature…it goes on and on. As you read these devotionals, open your heart to Him. Prayerfully set aside distractions. Climb into the verses like they are a cozy quilt on a chilly night, and see where He takes you. If you have some extra time, here are some additional exercises that I enjoy.

- Focus on the words. Is there a word or group of words that stands out to you? Read and re-read to make sure. Take those few words and expound on them for added meaning.

           o What are some synonyms (words that have a similar meaning) for those words?

           o What are some adjectives that further describe it?

           o What are some antonyms (words that have an opposite meaning) for those words?

- Picture the verse. What does it look like? What does it look like with YOU in it? What is God’s heart in the situation? Is there something in there that needs correcting? Something that needs celebrating? Talk with Him about that!!

            o Draw it.

            o Dance it.

            o Act it out.

- Has the Holy Spirit prompted you regarding yourself, a particular person or situation that He wants you to address? Do so!

- Is there a song He is giving you? If it’s new, sing it!! If it’s on a CD, your iPod or online, go find it! Sit in it!!

- Write in your journal. What are you thinking? What are you feeling? What does God, as your good Father, think about that?

- Does God want you to share this with a brother or sister in Christ? Enter into the community…

Whatever you do, consider giving yourself a reminder throughout the day. For me, that means Post-It notes!!! They…are…everywhere! Maybe you need a reminder about the Father on your bathroom mirror, on your computer screen, on the kitchen clock, a set alarm on your cell phone… Whatever He gives you today, TAKE IT WITH YOU!!!

Sermon Sunday and the Devos

Well...I lived! HAHA! I was the "batter up" on Sunday for our series on the Lord's Prayer called "Living out of the Lord's Prayer". I had the first section, "Our Father in heaven, holy is your name". It never ceases to amaze me how much God is yearning for us to want to experience Him. Intimacy with God is a unbelievably possible reality.

One of the things we are doing in conjunction with our sermons is writing devotionals for the following week. Mine aren't any big deal, but because my hard copies referred to some song links, I'm going to post them on my blog. Youtube.com links are hard to type out accurately!! ;) So, pass over if not interested!!!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Get It Right

I'm not a huge Glee fan, but I really identified with this song.

Fantastic God of Mercy

So...I've been basically ticked off by some people who I find unfathomably offensive in their presentation of God to the world. Of course, I am also aware that my own display of His identity isn't perfect either. Well, I was showering (it's a good habit)...and going off to God about these merciless people (just in case He didn't know). His reply???..."Have you considered my mercy towards them?" Ummm...*sigh*...good point.

My frustration continues...but I can't help but realize that the "WHO" of God is more fantastic all the time...

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Drop the "Christian"???

Influenced by the book I'm listening to on iTunes currently and numerous experiences of late with people who refer to themselves as such, I'm wrestling with dropping "Christian" from my life adjectives.

Pause for gasps... ;)

Does that mean that I no longer believe in Jesus? No, I do with everything in me. It's some of the "followers" that have me considering an exit from the "club".

It seems like they are more interested in defending little ol' God than living in (and out of) an authentic relationship with Him that ultimately changes the world. I'm pretty sure God could care less about defending Himself. He's just looking to love...

* I heard several people reminding everyone to "get on our knees" because God could smite the world at any moment because of those hell-bound heathens...  Because God hates every person He's ever made...?

* I heard a few people expressing gratitude that someone they knew wasn't involved in the tsunami because God was clearly on their side...  As if the Christians who died in the tsunami were on God's bad side...??? As if the people who'd never heard of Him were too...???

* I heard several people criticize a Christian man because he wants to step into uncomfortable questions and be ok with the reality of God in the mysteries...  They even invited him out of the "faith"...

I just wish that some "Christians" could see how their need to be right actually presents an insulting perspective of God to the very people that need to know His love...

I just can't take it anymore. Association...SUCKS!

So...I've actually started researching. Haha! The first people that fell in love with Jesus referred to themselves as "followers of the way". Maybe that's my new label... ;) I'll still love my Jesus, follow my heart and my convictions including fellowship with other Jesus lovers...but just go by another name.

Hmm...thinking...

Monday, March 14, 2011

Rhythm

Rob Bell Speaks...

I just watched this interview. It...was...fantastic. I'm sure it will throw some for a loop...but loops are good. They shake out the core...

Rob Bell speaks about "Love Wins"

Here's the intro trailer for the book...

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Man, Can He Dance!!

Probably not the greatest song in the world, but I LOVE that Chris Brown also can dance. Ooohhh, I so hope God has a dose of rhythm for me in heaven. I wish, I wish, I wish... ;)

To Make You Feel My Love

Friday, March 11, 2011

The "I-Don't-Care-ist"

Teaching in a Christian school is quite the experience for me. My faith is changing because my relationship with God is growing. Because of that, I'm so aware of the areas in my life that I am disconnecting from the "modern", Evangelical approach to things. I just want to be more like Jesus...living as a child of a good Father...rather than a person whose faith needs to be marked by being an apologist and/or defender of the bullet points.

I'd rather have the ability to dwell richly in the mysteries and questions of life because of my relationship than be basically impotent to change the world because I'm sure I actually have all the answers...

Hehe...and it's not that I think study, thought and beliefs are unimportant. I think it's great to flex the brain and have conviction. Too many people aren't thinking these days...living by popular opinion, driven by envy. What is changing in me is the foundation. It's going deeper, making the arguments for or against all kinds of things much less significant to me.

That brings me to the Creation-Evolution unit in my junior high science class. I get to talk about all of the theories pertaining to the origin of life. I love it because I actually get to give a more respectful and broad survey than in the public system. It's like a real-live education. Ironic, but I digress. ;) BUT...I am aware of some of the families that NEED the literal Short-Day, Young-Earth Creation story to be true in order to validate God and their faith in Him. That's where it gets tricky...because...I'm an I-Don't-Care-ist. Haha!

I absolutely love science. Biology specifically is like chocolate to me. Give me genetics, give me microbiology, give me anatomy...Yum, I'm constantly fascinated! I also love my hottie God. He too is like chocolate to me...uber-fantastic, life-changing wonder. My own experience with God being intimately involved in my life leads me to the leaning that He also approached the creation process in the same fashion. Any true artist would agree regarding their particular masterpiece. But how He did it (the theories and the specifics)??? How long it took (Gap theory, long-day theory, created-with-age/maturity)???...I'm solidly confident that it all fits together somehow and am so excited for the day when we will get to know it all.

In the meantime...ya...I don't care. And somehow that doesn't limit and/or hinder my view of God or my relationship with Him. It also doesn't rob me of my interest in science. Hmmm... ;)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Trafficking

It goes on all over. Honestly, it makes me also wish we took our "viewing" more seriously. Our entertainment media standards play a contributing role.

Evolving in Monkey Town

Ohhhhhh, man! This book is definitely going to shake things up in fundamental, evangelical land...but I think that's great!!! ;) Troublemakers...hehe.

Evolving in Monkey Town

Katie's Blog

Wow, this girl wrestles with some tough issues. Good for her!

Katie's Blog

Sunday, March 6, 2011

100% Agreed!!!

Places in the Heart

I was walking through Target the other day and saw this movie on a shelf. "Places in the Heart" ripped my heart out when I was younger. It hits so many good and difficult subjects. Sad but very good.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month. FFL has put together a historical account called HerStory. Pretty interesting.

Women's History Calendar of Events

ECRW

Well...it's official! I'm the secretary for the East Central Republican Women, a new group in our area. That means I also get to be on the Exec. Committee. Haha! It should be a good challenge! Of course, my personal leanings are conservative with a ginormous conviction to "Love Your Neighbor". I'm more interested in the community service that the group provides, but I'm also excited to be educated a bit more.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Food Drive!!

March is Minnesota Food Share Month!! Donations of non-perishable food items and money are being matched by MN corporations! There are probably many drop-off sites, but I know my church (LCC) is one of them!! Let's get busy!!

The "Mom" in Me

Ohhh no...no worries! I'm talking more about noticing aspects of MY mom in me. ;)

I've been watching my high schoolers play in a basketball tournament this weekend. They are so good!!!! It's been fun to watch. Well, some of my nieces and nephews are on the teams...hence the "issues". #1...I'm a bit of a competitive person. WHAT?? I know...it's shocking. ;) The first team that the boys played was a school that I so totally despised when I played. Ugh...the feelings persist. Soooooooo, I was fully on board with winning. Hehe. #2...I'm a bit of a bulldog when it comes to my family. It becomes a bit...tricky...when they are being unfairly treated. Let's just say I almost had to be restrained. They, of course, are all so wonderful and precious and too old to be squeezed (unless I corner them). *sigh* I love them. :)

As for the "Mom" in me...turns out my own mother can become RABID at events like this. My Uncle has also informed me that my sweet little Grandma is the SAME! Yes, this is an "ah-hah" moment for me. One that also lets me get away with bad behavior...HAHA!

What the???

Is it just me or is this...disturbing!!! Blech..

Warning...

Mmm-hmm.

Regina Spektor - Fidelity

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Eek!

I've been watching a DVD series from the book "The Hole in our Gospel". We are teaching from that for the kiddos' Spiritual Emphasis Week. The point of the material is that our Christianity often has a hole in it...the size of "compassion for others". Anyway, the speaker just offered this re-write of Matthew 25...Yikes...and true??

"I was hungry while you had all you needed.
I was thirsty but you drank bottled water.
I was a stranger and you wanted me deported.
I needed clothes but you needed more clothes.
I was sick and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness.
I was in prison and you said I was getting what I deserved."

- Rich Stearns

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Enough...?

I hear Christians talk about the "kingdom of God" a lot, and in so doing they often land on healings as their evidence. Not that those aren't! I just wish we could open the powder keg of all that "kingdom" means...the evidence of such. Broadening our definition of "miracle" can only infuse life with more joy, hope, peace...

Having more than a duty-bound relationship with God is the HUGEST miracle evidencing the "kingdom"...at least in my opinion. ;) We only have to look at Jesus for that. He came to show us what a man "rightly related to God" could look like. That reality...living as a son/daughter of a good Father...is absolutely available to any. The ones that choose that intimacy???...now there's a miracle (and a miraculous way of life)!

From there I think Jesus' own words in Luke 4 indicate a much bigger picture of what bringing the "kingdom of God" can be. Oh how miraculous ALL of this really is...

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

'Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

There are so, so, so many ways that the miracles of life with God can be revealed...and I think they all should be celebrated as equally amazing.

And to be honest???...I think it would take the pressure off those that aren't experiencing an instantaneous physical healing. Some of those that are going "through" are experiencing countless other miracles that are just as valid. Rather than re-write our theology to deal with the uncomfortable questions of whether God is causing this or why He is allowing that, we can embrace a mysterious and bigger picture of living. The truth is that He sometimes invites us to bring the "kingdom" to the suffering we are walking "through", and that is an amazing expression of kingdom life.

Awesome!

Jody showed me this today...yep, I cried! (Not shocking!) It's a group of 5th graders from a school in Harlem who learned "Firework" by Katy Perry. Oprah heard about them and invited them to perform on her show that was airing on the Oscar stage. She called Katy Perry to see if she'd surprise the kids during their performance. Yep and Yep! Perry flew from Austria (no sleep) to sing with them. Very cool since these are often the overlooked kiddos...

Here's a link to Oprah...
On Oprah with the Katy Perry Surprise!

Thinkings...

I always find the weeks before a Sunday teaching to be quite interesting...and entertaining. Usually God makes my life into an application. Yay!...or...Ugh! ;) Besides the building of real-life material to add to it (with hints of God's humor infused in it all...), I sometimes feel the pressure of "what will people think?". I wonder if it will make a difference...if it will be a waste. That's not too fun.

One of the things that has always been perplexing to me...although I resemble this remark too...is what people think of different sermons. I'll hear one that was a little boring but hear from others that it was life-changing for them. Or I'll hear one that really speaks to something in my life but find that others were indifferent to it. It's so weird to me!!

Reminds me of what a mentor told me years ago when I was describing some pre-speaking anxiety. She said that I didn't need to spend too much time being consumed with worry because "the Holy Spirit speaks to people's hearts regardless of what you do or say." And so far?...I've found that to be true. Mostly, I just need to show up and then get out of His way... ;)

Good to remember for our speaking challenges...but also for the ones we hear...

Why I Like FFL...

I saw this on a Feminists for Life posting. Couldn't agree more...

"One important clarification: FFL's mission is bigger than the question of abortion legality. Regardless, whether abortion is legal or illegal, we listen to women and work to expand resources in order to make abortion unthinkable."

The article, focusing on a speech given by FFL President Serin Foster, contained this explanation...

While most of society focuses solely on what happens to the child after conception, Foster works to bring to light the circumstances that lead a woman to abortion in the first place.

“Women have abortions because they lack resources and support — in this of all countries,” Foster said. “Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women in this country.”

Foster first emphasized the basic tenants of traditional feminism, stemming in the beliefs of suffragettes including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

“Abortion violates the basic tenants of life. We cannot disregard someone based on size or race or parentage or conception,” Foster said. “We uphold the feminist principles of equality — all people are equal, all choices are not. Our children are not chattel.”

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