Sacred Space

It seems to be that bashing has become a pastime in our lives. So many rants, really reveal more of the content in our souls I think than we care to reveal. Think about it- why would you bash a gay? Because there is an issue in you. If you consider the fact that the gay lifestyle has a shorter life expectancy, and higher suicide and drug use, a reasonable compassionate person would have heart ache not condescension or hate as a response. In the same vein it amazes me how Christians will bash the church. The simple fact is the church is the bride of Christ- right? How would you like it if people were running around saying how much they love you but your wife's a witch! Friendship- over! Yet the entity that is intended to be a sacred space for meeting with God. We have heard it taught (out of context) that the body is God's temple. 1 Corinthians 3 16 is speaking of the body of Christ (not your body) and that the gathering of believers is a Holy Moment a sacred space intended for God to meet His people and His people to worship him. The verse speaks of heaping destruction upon the temple. That pauses my thoughts, and pontificating, it makes me ask, am I a destructive force in this? Do I build up the temple? Lastly, is God's presence so valuable that I am willing to die to myself for the sake of His body uniting? It all boils down to the simple fact that we have agendas, expectations and needs that we bring to the table every time we gather. The question is what do you do with those things? If you expect what is pure and true you build the house. If you don't bring that you are a tool to tear it down. So what do we die to today?

Ashes to beauty

Saying good bye to a dear friend today I saw the power of a life well lived. Connie James, a faithful servant was given a going away party as her friends an family remembered the moments and times that best described the moments of Connie's life that were well lived. Working with children and wondering how to more effectively display the love and wonder of Jesus. Passionately and relentlessly being a model of love, truth and grace.

I saw the tender balance of love, grace and truth most on the mission field. The tension of the desire to reach people by sharing moments of love and giving in compassion, and firmly correcting an American kid from our team in a moment of selfish indulgence. So often a scene so contrasted by the selfless giving of the Mexican Nationals and the other team members. Connie would always bring people to a place of "centering truth" - a truth that brings you back to yourself, an awakening. I learned from her as we all have, to be that factor of right perspective and grace. I still am learning and I am thankful for the insights to grace tempered by discipline that she taught me. So I know that Connie is now looking in the eyes of the most majestic being in all the universe. The One whose breath gives life and healing; takes away pain and makes us whole.

Grace and peace to you.

The story of us...

The challenge of faith comes to us in one vivid picture, in a very difficult question... How can you be a relevant and hopeful expression of the church to a despairing world; full of the power of God, compassion and grace impacting your community and living out the kingdom of God? As a community's need cries out, there needs to be a response. An awakening truth needs to be spoken. A truth that brings people to a place of this realization, God can meet me here.

Another challenge is the challenge of the moment... How do I get through this_______! A timely verse, word or thought could well be the awakening God has for you.

We are a people on a Journey, seeking God and moving towards the light into agreement with heaven. These "posts" are hopeful expressions. Words of encouragement, words of care to support you through the day.

Welcome to the trellis!