Check out the pie!!
It's a beautiful thing, really. I'm going in to the new year with over 25% of my outstanding debt paid off, still completely on track to be out of debt in a year (barring any unforeseen circumstances), very little Christmas debt on my credit card (nothing I won't pay this month--unlike previous years)...and feeling like I'm missing absolutely NOTHING. Because I'm not. My focus has been on people and relationships instead of STUFF this year and it's been wonderful. I'm blessed.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Mourning to dancing...
The past few months have not been good ones for my church. In late October, our pastor resigned after confessing to "indiscretions with a female church member". At that point, I hadn't attended a Sunday morning service for a month, because I'd gotten tired of sobbing or fighting off panic attacks. Yes, it was that bad.
And it got worse after the resignation, as people who knew the story or thought they knew the story or didn't even pretend to know the story (but staunchly maintained that our former pastor was a horribly mistreated, great guy because he visited them when they were in the hospital and didn't deserve to be "fired" [wasn't] just because of a few [umm, yeah] text messages and emails and clandestine meetings) all decided to go to war with one another. Can you say "happy church family", boys and girls? Sure, you can. But you wouldn't be describing MY church.
But in the midst of the anger and hurt and deep heartache, there are strong remnants of the beautiful body...and they shine even in their time of mourning. I was part of one of those shining moments tonight.
A beautiful 13 week-old baby has been diagnosed with a digestive problem that may require immediate surgery. What did her parents do when they heard the news? They called the church and requested that people gather to pray for her tonight before she sees the surgeon tomorrow. And we did. Tonight, many of us gathered at the altar in the dimly lit sanctuary, anointed her with oil, encircled her and prayed for her healing.
And as we prayed, I felt another kind of healing taking place. This was the body, acting like a body. We weren't "in" the church, we weren't acting in whatever self-righteous way "good" church people act...we were BEING the church. And in "being", we were being healed. I stood and watched people laughing and talking and lingering long after we were done with the "business" we'd come for and sensed a spirit of joy and hopefulness that's been long-absent. It's a step, it's a beginning. It's a good beginning.
And it got worse after the resignation, as people who knew the story or thought they knew the story or didn't even pretend to know the story (but staunchly maintained that our former pastor was a horribly mistreated, great guy because he visited them when they were in the hospital and didn't deserve to be "fired" [wasn't] just because of a few [umm, yeah] text messages and emails and clandestine meetings) all decided to go to war with one another. Can you say "happy church family", boys and girls? Sure, you can. But you wouldn't be describing MY church.
But in the midst of the anger and hurt and deep heartache, there are strong remnants of the beautiful body...and they shine even in their time of mourning. I was part of one of those shining moments tonight.
A beautiful 13 week-old baby has been diagnosed with a digestive problem that may require immediate surgery. What did her parents do when they heard the news? They called the church and requested that people gather to pray for her tonight before she sees the surgeon tomorrow. And we did. Tonight, many of us gathered at the altar in the dimly lit sanctuary, anointed her with oil, encircled her and prayed for her healing.
And as we prayed, I felt another kind of healing taking place. This was the body, acting like a body. We weren't "in" the church, we weren't acting in whatever self-righteous way "good" church people act...we were BEING the church. And in "being", we were being healed. I stood and watched people laughing and talking and lingering long after we were done with the "business" we'd come for and sensed a spirit of joy and hopefulness that's been long-absent. It's a step, it's a beginning. It's a good beginning.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
"Where Are You, Christmas?"
I mentioned this song in the last post--I love the lyrics, so I thought I'd post them.
"Where Are You Christmas"
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play
My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean
Christmas changes too
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go
Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love
Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love
"Where Are You Christmas"
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play
My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean
Christmas changes too
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go
Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh
If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love
Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Advent Conspiracy...
Hmm. THIS is an interesting way of looking at the insanity that's become the "holiday shopping season". People sometimes look at me like I have little green men sprouting out of the top of my head when I talk about Christmas spun out of control--it's beyond my comprehension that people (like me) give such wildly extravagant gifts with reckless abandon in the guise of celebrating Jesus. Anyway...check out the website if you're interested in learning more.
ADVENT CONSPIRACY
When Christ was born the empire was threatened and as a result Herod, who was one of the more powerful kings of the day, ordered the killing of all the boys two years old and under who were in Bethlehem. The reason for this was that he hoped to take out the child-King that posed a threat to his kingdom.
While we are not living under Herod’s reign, there is another empire of consumerism and materialism that threatens our faithfulness to Jesus. Jesus brought with him such an extraordinary Kingdom that is counter-culture to the kingdoms of this world.
Part of saying “yes” to Jesus means that we say “no” to over-spending. We say “no” to overconsumption. We say “no” to these things so we can create space to say “yes” to Jesus and His reign in our lives. The National Retail Federation was forecasting that Americans would spend approximately $457.4 billion at Christmas in 2006. The American Research group estimated an average of $907.00 per family to be spent at Christmas in 2006. After the Holiday we work for months to get out of debt, only to find that the presents we bought in the name of Christ furthered a consumerist mentality in us and our children and took our focus off of the greatness of Jesus. As Christ-followers, the Advent Conspiracy starts with us resisting a culture that tells us what to buy, wear and spend with no regard to bringing glory to Jesus.
ADVENT CONSPIRACY
When Christ was born the empire was threatened and as a result Herod, who was one of the more powerful kings of the day, ordered the killing of all the boys two years old and under who were in Bethlehem. The reason for this was that he hoped to take out the child-King that posed a threat to his kingdom.
While we are not living under Herod’s reign, there is another empire of consumerism and materialism that threatens our faithfulness to Jesus. Jesus brought with him such an extraordinary Kingdom that is counter-culture to the kingdoms of this world.
Part of saying “yes” to Jesus means that we say “no” to over-spending. We say “no” to overconsumption. We say “no” to these things so we can create space to say “yes” to Jesus and His reign in our lives. The National Retail Federation was forecasting that Americans would spend approximately $457.4 billion at Christmas in 2006. The American Research group estimated an average of $907.00 per family to be spent at Christmas in 2006. After the Holiday we work for months to get out of debt, only to find that the presents we bought in the name of Christ furthered a consumerist mentality in us and our children and took our focus off of the greatness of Jesus. As Christ-followers, the Advent Conspiracy starts with us resisting a culture that tells us what to buy, wear and spend with no regard to bringing glory to Jesus.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
"Into the day"...it's time
This song has been THE song of my life for over a year now...ringing true in so many circumstances. Now more than ever. The signs ARE right for the turning tide. I'm ready to step out into that light and leave the shadows and the rain behind. I'm ready for the warmth of sunshine on my face...and in my heart.
If grief doesn't give way to joy, if we linger in that place where the freeze is at the door, if the season doesn't change...then what purpose is there for tomorrow? It's over--I'm choosing the sunshine. And I'm not going alone...I'm going to drag as many with me as I can. :-)
Into The Day--Bebo Norman
You could turn a hundred years and never empty all your fears
They’re pouring out like broken words and broken bones
They could fill a thousand pages, be the cry for all the ages
And the song for every soul who stands alone
The ache of life is more than you are able
Hold on love, don’t give up Don’t close your eyes
The light is breaking through the night
Step out into the day, all the clouds and all the rain are gone
It’s over now
Step out into the sun, for you have only begun to know
What it’s all about
As the hungering dark gives way to the dawn, my love
It’s over now
Time will let the story told grow and grow ‘til it unfolds
In a way that even you cannot ignore
You can say the seasons change but never if you just remain
In a place where the freeze is at your door
What you don’t know is the signs are right for the turning tide
Step out into the day, all the clouds and all the rain are gone
It’s over now
Step out into the sun, for you have only begun to know
What it’s all about
As the hungering dark gives way to the dawn, my love
It’s over now
If grief doesn't give way to joy, if we linger in that place where the freeze is at the door, if the season doesn't change...then what purpose is there for tomorrow? It's over--I'm choosing the sunshine. And I'm not going alone...I'm going to drag as many with me as I can. :-)
Into The Day--Bebo Norman
You could turn a hundred years and never empty all your fears
They’re pouring out like broken words and broken bones
They could fill a thousand pages, be the cry for all the ages
And the song for every soul who stands alone
The ache of life is more than you are able
Hold on love, don’t give up Don’t close your eyes
The light is breaking through the night
Step out into the day, all the clouds and all the rain are gone
It’s over now
Step out into the sun, for you have only begun to know
What it’s all about
As the hungering dark gives way to the dawn, my love
It’s over now
Time will let the story told grow and grow ‘til it unfolds
In a way that even you cannot ignore
You can say the seasons change but never if you just remain
In a place where the freeze is at your door
What you don’t know is the signs are right for the turning tide
Step out into the day, all the clouds and all the rain are gone
It’s over now
Step out into the sun, for you have only begun to know
What it’s all about
As the hungering dark gives way to the dawn, my love
It’s over now
Hold on, hold on
It won’t be long
So hold on
Monday, December 03, 2007
The comfort I seek...
...is found right here.
Psalm 62
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
Psalm 62
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
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