More on the Subject of Contentment

This subject spurred a lot of response from you all out there in blogreadingland. Thanks for your thoughts!

Most often contentment is talked about in the light of dating/marriage. But I am convinced that we singles have blinded ourselves into thinking it ONLY has to do with that... that once we're married, our contentment will be solved. I really don't think that is true... but you can read more about my thoughts from my earlier blog entry.

So, with that being said, another great article on contentment with singleness came out recently that I wanted to share...

http://www.crosswalk.com/community/singles/1300750.html

This article gives some good advice on what to do while waiting for our special one. It also gives an incredible account, which left me in tears, of Fanny Crosby.

As we approach Christmas day, I pray for you all a wonderful season filled with the love of Christ through the remembrance of His birth.

I love you all!

All for now,
Lisa

Good Character, Morality, and the Power of Love

Does character count?
What does it mean to be a person of "good character"? I've heard this recommendation often -- "Lisa, make sure to marry a person of good character". I'm not sure what like looks like, so I thought I'd surf the web to find out more.

I found the Six Pillars of Character, in association with Character Counts, a non-profit assocation for teaching character education in schools:

1. trustworthiness
2. respect
3. responsibility
4. fairness
5. caring
6. citizenship

These are all great virtues, but do you really think you can muster up the ability, absent of God's power, to have them? I don't. I mean these are great characteristics, and they are evident in a moral person, but is that enough to prove good character?

Morality
I remember Pastor Gregg saying in a sermon recently, "Good [moral] people don't go to heaven. Only Holy people do". Amen. I think the basis of good character comes not from morality but from love.

The Fruit of Good Character
Jesus talks about the mouth speaking out of the overflow of the heart. What's inside you will come out, the facade of good virtues will not stay. I've heard it likened to toothpaste. Squeeze and see what comes out. When I was in Capernaum I saw a huge olive press. Our guide said something I'll never forget, "the quality of the oil cannot be known until the olive has been pressed". And we humans are exactly the same way. Jesus teaches us the way to build good character, especially when struggles come... and we all know about those, don't we?. Luke wrote about it:

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:43-48

The Way of Love
I think true character is derived from the love of Christ and that love expressed. I think 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 does a nice job of summing it up. I'll leave you with The Message version:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing
but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing
all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that
says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I
give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a
martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I
believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love
cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the
sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the
flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks
for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never
dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will
end; understanding will reach its limit.

All for now,
Lisa

Two Things

Two things God has been teaching me lately. I know, two doesn't seem like a lot, but hey, I'm just glad I'm getting it, even if it's just a little! Anyway, I thought I would take this space to delve into them a bit. I don't have all of it neatly packaged, but here goes:

1. The ever-present reality of God's work in my life. This came from a conversation with a friend of mine about how our requests to God always seem to focus on the future, and our struggles always seeming to be in the present (duh). What I mean is that we realized that it is through our present struggles that God is anwering our future requests. For instance, my friend wants to better share the gospel and her testimony. She recently did it and had the desire to "do it better" (as if it's in our power to "do" it). She was asking God to present her more opportunities and to do a better job. What we realized is that God was answering her very request in that very moment by the very present opportunity. After all, it's not just the last three that count. Meaning, it's not in the attaining, but in the preparing. And He's right there along the way.

2. What will I really take with me to heaven? We all know we won't be taking our things to Heaven. But we really won't even take our faith -- we'll have no need for faith, but all will be seen. We really won't even take our knowledge. We'll be in the face of full knowledge, full disclosure, so to speak. So, what will we take? After finishing Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, I have realized that the only thing we will really take with us, packed nicely in our luggage, is our experiences. Our experiences along the way... and I think it will be how we will be known. What this revelation has done for me is help me to have a better kingdom-minded perspective with respect to my every day living.


All for now,
Lisa

Getting Real about Loneliness

Would you believe I just received an email this morning from ChristianityToday speaking to this issue of loneliness. In this article, six singles share their coping strategies and lessons learned from lonely seasons.

Here's the link -->
http://www.christianitytoday.com/singles/newsletter/mind40526.html

There are lots of ideas for coping. If that's the right word... or how about I use the word embracing... does that sound better? Or is that too affectionate a word for such an ugly issue? I say that with a little bit of tongue in cheek because I think most often we singles begrudge loneliness when, in fact, is not a issue of singlessness as much as an issue of humanity. My married friends have shared with me their seasons of loneliness. So, regardless of marital status, is loneliness a bad thing? Something from which we should run?

I'm curious, folks, what are your thoughts?

All for now,
Lisa

Satisfaction, Gratification, Loneliness, and Being Alone

It seems these have been the topics of many a conversation as of late. Mostly around the subjects of singleness, dating, and the married life. Maybe it's just me, but it also seems like lately there has been a plethora of Christian articles on dating... from Christianity Today, LifeWay, and CrossWalk. But maybe it's like the old adage that if you desire a blue car, suddenly all you see around you are blue cars.

Satisfaction vs. Gratification

"It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied, and most human beings live only
for the gratification of it." Aristotle

I'm not exactly sure what Artistotle meant by this, but let's dig into it. So, if a desire is satisfied, would it be a desire anymore? Say for instance, I have a desire to eat and after I eat I've probably lost my desire to eat right then? By eating, I have gratified my desire; not necessarily satisfied it. I think God made us in a way that we will continually desire. And I am mindful of Paul's comments to the Philippians; knowing the secret of being content regardless of the situation.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do
everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 [NIV]

I think Paul is saying contentment is a decision, not a feeling.

Contentment vs. Complacency

Learning to be content does not mean learning to be complacent. I think we must learn to continually stir the waters. We have to. So, how does that really look? I'm not completely sure. But I know I cannot move and stay on hold at the same time. It means finding your vineyard and continually tending it. You can even be bold enough to ask God to enlarge it. But don't let anyone steal your joy (and this might even be yourself!)

Loneliness vs. Being Alone

Loneliness seems to be linked to a state of sadness. Being alone seems more like you are by yourself, but not necessarily sad about it. You can be lonely in a room full of people. Perhaps a lot of singles want to be married thinking that it will solve their loneliness. I leave you with a quote from one of my favorites... Rich Mullins.

And it was just a few years ago that I finally realized that friendship is not a
remedy for loneliness. Loneliness is a part of our experience and if we are
looking for relief from loneliness in friendship, we are only going to frustrate
the friendship. Friendship, camaraderie, intimacy, all those things, and
loneliness live together in the same experience.

All for now,
Lisa

His Face Showing Through (remix)

This Sunday's sermon really appealed to me. Ben Stuart did an outstanding job of going through Colossians 1:24-29. My Bible entitles this passage "Paul's Labor for the Church".

I ended up taking notes in prose-fashion so I thought I would share it here:

Either by craze or by cause
Living with purpose
But when purpose introduces pain
Do you see joy in it?
Rejoice in suffering
I have a cause
That's worth living for
Worth dying for
This is why I live
Two voices we give
An unreserved yes to
Authority
Love
The glorious riches of the mystery
God willed to make known
Once in the dark
Now in the light
Unknown made know
Not just the content
But the beauty of the passion
The story being told
Not knowledge or teaching
But the story of the good news
The gospel
Looking for hope
Save me!
The passions of our heart
Satisfied
The continuing work of Jesus Christ


All for now,
Lisa

After All, Who Dreams in Narrative?

I’ve been pondering the topic of theology a little more lately (see previous post on reasons why). I've found out that the word, theology, comes from the Greek word theologia (“Say any word and I'll tell you how the root of that word is Greek”, Gus Portokalos – My Big Fat Greek Wedding) which stems from the Greek theos, "God", + logos, "word" or "reason"). It doesn’t necessarily reference specifically-Christian theology; for there is theology for every type of religion.

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with Christian theology… so long as you don’t hang your salvation/sanctification hat on it. Meaning, I want to make sure to put first things first. God and His errant Word as the primary means of learning about God and theology as a way to formulate thoughts – making sure test each and every theological thought against the true light of God’s Word. What I do believe is really good about theology is that it can firm up my faith by building relationships between concepts and ideas that I had not seen before.

I’m reminded of what Paul said at the end of 1 Cor 13 (v. 12 "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."). I even love the KJV best (v. 12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."). I think Rich Mullins said it best a while back, "I think if we were given the Scriptures, it was not so that we could prove that we were right about everything. If we were given the Scriptures, it was to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.")

Theology may be good, but we’re still guessing. Only the Bible contains the absolute, correct, non-negotiable answers. So, if theology can help me see God more clearly, I’m up for it. If I use it instead of studying the Bible or praying, then I want nothing of it. But clearly, it’s up to me how to use it.

Now, let me speak a little bit about my thoughts on using theology as a means of evangelism. I’ve often heard that no one will be reasoned into the salvation - God’s saving grace. I completely agree with this. A recent Our Daily Bread sums it up nicely… “Faith bridges chasms that reason cannot fathom.” My heart has never been won by reason… perhaps my mind, but my heart requires more than mere logic. Bottom line: the requirement of evangelism is to simply be obedient in proclaiming the gospel (the “good news”) of who Christ is and what Christ has done for me. I don't see anywhere in the Bible where God calls us to formulate a theology and profess it. When the Lord moves, He will make it unmistakable -- with a heart/head connection (a big picture, if you will). I’ll leave you with this scripture from Acts 16:11-14.

Lydia's Conversion in Philippi
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the
next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and
the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several
days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we
expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women
who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer
in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord
opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

I hope I haven't stirred up too much of a hornet's nest, for I know a discussion on theology can annoy some and invite others to strongly defend their position. I invite you to explore this with me -- in a way that leaves us all a little better and with a better understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. So, what do you think? One thing: this forum should be a safe place for us to share. I love you all.

All for now,
Lisa

Use It or Lose It!

Sometimes the oddest things will wake you up to something. Two different incidences, totally unrelated to one other, woke me up to the fact that my walk with Christ was suffering. Why has my walk weakened? I won't say I've gotten busy, because that really hasn't changed; I've pretty much stayed busy. What did happen is that my priorities changed... very subtly, but markedly. I haven't been spending the same time in the Word that I had. What's worse, is that my desire had waned. However, the good news is that God can use anything to call us back. I thank Him for that.

First incident: my friend, Stephen Statham, very graciously gave me two CD's... both of recent Water's Edge classes. Just the fact that he so willingly gave them to me stirred me a bit. And then listening to them (I've only gotten half-way through the first one) woke me to the sleep within.

For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Ephesians 5:14

The second was a good discussion about theology I had with another friend, Byron Richey. I've never been that interested in theology, in favor of spending my time more experientially with Christ and my study more focused on the Bible; however, this recent discussion spurred me on, and has motivated me to study. The fire has been relit!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Well, I can feel my strength is gaining. Thanks be to God!

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

All for now,
Lisa

H.R. 3768, Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005

I just received the following email from a certified financial planner. It has some good information about new legislation that could impact your finances in 2005.

"This new legislation presents some unique, one-time giving opportunities for individuals.
In direct response to the Katrina hurricane disaster, Congress and the President have agreed to open for a short time a window of opportunity for charitable giving. Previously, individuals could deduct charitable donations up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income. The Katrina bill removes this limitation on charitable gifts made between August 28, 2005, and December 31, 2005. The gift may benefit any charitable organization, whether or not the organization is engaged in Katrina relief. It may be used for any purpose you designate, but must be made in cash (gifts of property such as stocks and real estate do not qualify).
Most notable, for those age 59½ and above, the legislation effectively permits unlimited IRA withdrawals and gifts to charity. You may want to hold off on contributions of this nature until December, because other legislation through the CARE Act may allow you to roll over funds in your IRA, in lieu of cashing out your IRA, thereby avoiding an increase in taxable income.
For further guidance, we encourage you to contact your tax advisor."

Also, you can learn more about the Katrina Relief Act at the following website:
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/taxdocs/092105katrinasummary.pdf

All for now,
Lisa

P.S. small print here: no tax advice expressly given or implied.

Blog block

Ever had writer's block? Well, I confess, I'm having a bit of blog block. You might think that's unbelievable because so many people can write so many off-beat things on their blog that having a block would seem impossible. Well, it's happening to me. Can't really think of anything... stupid or not... of which to write. So, instead of not writing anything, I thought I'd use this time to offer up to you a chance to bring up a topic for discussion. So, lurkers, this is your chance!

All for now,
Lisa

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy

This passage (Matthew 5:7) has crossed my mind countless times since Hurricane Rita made landfall. Rita was barrelling into the Gulf, practically taking up the entire Gulf and headed in a bee-line straight for Galveston (and therefore Houston). Why did she decrease in size? Why did she turn at the last minute (especially when the upper level highs indicated the contrary)?

So, before I answer my own questions, let me make one caveat: This is not a judgement AT ALL on who Rita hit. Furthermore, please don't get me wrong either about the impact Rita had... Rita was a large hurricane (category 3) causing a lot of damage.

It has just made me mindful of this: It is obvious that Houston rose to the occasion in helping the Hurricane Katrina victims. Check out the many blogs, websites, newspapers that support this. Houston hit national news because of our helping hands. Could it be that mercy was shown to the merciful?

Let me know what you think. Either way, I am thanking God now.

All for now,
Lisa

A picture is worth a thousand words

From this image (courtesy of the New York Times), you can see the flooding caused by Katrina and the broken levees. Notice the greatest impact is from Lake Ponchatrain, not the Mississippi River.

Rich Mullins: The best way I can remember him

Wikipedia had a great entry about Rich. I couldn't do any better so this is a copy for your convenience.

Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997) was an American singer/songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana. Starting in 1986, he was a well-known Christian music artist until his untimely death in an automobile accident in 1997. He is best-known for his praise choruses "Awesome God" and "Step by Step", which have been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. Two of his albums are considered among Christian music's best: 1986's Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth and 1993's A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band. His songs have been covered by the likes of Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Caedmon's Call, and Jars of Clay but his influence on his colleagues in the music business reaches further.

In addition to his music, Rich Mullins is also remembered for his sincere devotion to the Christian faith. He often called St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) his hero, and modelled his life after him by having great compassion for the poor and adhering to a vow of poverty. In 1997, he composed a musical about the life of St Francis (set in the Old West) called Canticle of the Plains.

Mullins was seen as an enigma to the Christian music industry. Often barefoot, unshaven and badly in need of a haircut, he did not look like the average American gospel music writer.

Although he achieved a good amount of success on Christian radio, he never received a Dove Award (a.k.a. the Christian Grammy) until after he died.

Unlike most artists in Contemporary Christian music, Mullins did not consider his music as his primary ministry, but rather as a means to pay his bills. Instead, his ministry was the way he treated his neighbors, family and enemies. Taking a vow of poverty, he accepted a small church salary and spent the last years of his life on a Navajo reservation teaching music to children.

History
Mullins began his musical career with Zion Ministries in the late 1970s, where he wrote music and performed with a band called Zion. Zion released one album in 1981 entitled Behold the Man. While working for this ministry, Mullins penned a song called "Sing Your Praise To The Lord", which was recorded by singer Amy Grant in 1982 and became an immediate hit on Christian Radio.

In 1983, Debby Boone recorded Mullins' "O Come All Ye Faithful" for her Surrender album. In 1984, the song was also featured in a TV movie called Sins of the Past.

Mullins became a songwriter in the Contemporary Christian music industry by 1984, penning songs for Pam Mark Hall, and a second song for Amy Grant. Grant would go on to record yet another of Mullins' songs for her 1985 album, Unguarded, entitled "Love Of Another Kind".

By 1986, Mullins recorded his first, self-titled, solo project, and followed it with a second solo album in 1987 called Pictures in the Sky. Neither album had sold very well and it looked as though Pictures might be his last, until Mullins wrote a song called "Awesome God". Mullins recorded that song and released it on his third album, Winds of Heaven... Stuff of Earth and it quickly became a hit on Christian radio and a modern-day hymn sung in churches around the world.

The Winds of Heaven... Stuff of Earth album also introduced fans to the hammered dulcimer, an instrument that would become a Rich Mullins trademark.

In the early 1990s, Mullins released a pair of albums entitled The World As Best As I Remember It, volumes 1 & 2. These albums featured more of a stripped-back, acoustic feel than his earlier work, with nods to Irish music. Step By Step, a song written by good friend Beaker and included on both volumes, became an instant hit on Christian Radio, and, like "Awesome God", with worship leaders.

In 1993, Mullins assembled a group of Nashville musicians (including Jimmy Abegg, Beaker, Phil Madeira, Rick Elias, Aaron Smith) to form A Ragamuffin Band, which was named after The Ragamuffin Gospel by author Brennan Manning. The band recorded A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band, which was later named the #3 Best Christian Album of All time by CCM Magazine. The band got together again in 1995 to record Brother's Keeper.

In 1997, Mullins teamed up with Beaker and Mitch McVicker to write a musical based on the life of St Francis of Assisi, entitled The Canticle of the Plains. Mullins had great respect for St Francis, and even formed "the Kid Brothers of St Frank" in the late 1980s with several friends, each taking a vow of poverty. Mullins was never really aware of how well his records sold, because the profits from his tours and the sale of each album went to his church, which divided it up, paid Mullins a small salary, and gave the rest to charity. Mullins was also a major supporter of Compassion International and Compassion USA.

Unfortunately, Mullins was tragically killed in a car accident on September 19, 1997. He and friend Mitch McVicker were travelling on I-39 outside Peoria, Illinois to a benefit concert in Wichita when his Jeep flipped over. Both men were thrown from the vehicle and Mullins was struck and instantly killed by a passing tractor trailer swerving to avoid the Jeep.

Shortly before his death, Mullins had made a rough tape of songs for what would have been his next album on Reunion Records; he was going to call the album "Ten Songs About Jesus." This rough microcassette recording became the basis for "The Jesus Record," which A Ragamuffin Band recorded after Mullins' death. Mullins and McVicker had also recorded what would become Mitch's first true solo album (aside from lead vocals on four songs on the Canticle of the Plains album).

At the time of his death, Mullins lived on a Navajo reservation, where he taught music to children.

Quotes
"Never forget what Jesus did for you. Never take lightly what it cost Him. And never assume that if it cost Him His very life, that it won't also cost you yours."

"So go out and live real good and I promise you'll get beat up real bad. But, in a little while after you're dead, you'll be rotted away anyway. It's not gonna matter if you have a few scars. It will matter if you didn't live."

"It's so funny being a Christian musician. It always scares me when people think so highly of Christian music, Contemporary Christian music especially. Because I kinda go, I know a lot of us, and we don't know jack about anything. Not that I don't want you to buy our records and come to our concerts. I sure do. But you should come for entertainment. If you really want spiritual nourishment, you should go to church.. you should read the Scriptures."

"We do not find happiness by being assertive. We don't find happiness by running over people because we see what we want and they are in the way of that happiness so we either abandon them or we smash them. The Scriptures don't teach us to be assertive. The Scriptures teach us – and this is remarkable – the Scriptures teach us to be submissive. This is not a popular idea."

"I had a prof one time... He said, 'Class, you will forget almost everything I will teach you in here, so please remember this: that God spoke to Balaam through his ass, and He has been speaking through asses ever since. So, if God should choose to speak through you, you need not think too highly of yourself. And, if on meeting someone, right away you recognize what they are, listen to them anyway."

"I think if we were given the Scriptures, it was not so that we could prove that we were right about everything. If we were given the Scriptures, it was to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing."

"Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in your beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken."

"Bear in mind, children, that they listen to you because you are kids - not because you are right. That's how our Father listens to us."

"We never understand what we're praying, and God, in His mercy, does not answer our prayers according to our understanding, but according to His wisdom."

"Yes, it's embarrassing to be born again, but imagine how embarrassing it must have been to be born the first time. At least this time you get to wear clothes!"

"We are not saved because we're good. We're good because we're saved. Never forget what Jesus did for you."

"If you've ever known the love of God, you know it's nothing but reckless and it's nothing but raging. Sometimes it hurts to be loved, and if it doesn't hurt it's probably not love, may be infatuation. I think a lot of American people are infatuated with God, but we don't really love Him, and they don't really let Him love them. Being loved by God is one of the most painful things in the world, it's also the only thing that can bring us salvation and it's like everything else that is really wonderful, there's a little bit of pain in it, little bit of hurt."

"It's just that for so many people that I know, Christianity's this matter of ... it has everything to do with morals. Christianity is a religion about morals. And they will even talk about Jesus. And they will say kids need to know about Jesus so they won't smoke, drink, or dance, or go with girls that do, and all that kind of thing. And I kinda go, 'That's not why people need to know about Jesus. The only reason--The only possible excuse for talking about Jesus is because we need a Savior.'"

Rich Mullins: 8 years later

Today marks another milestone. Eight years ago on this date, I woke up on a Saturday morning to hear that Rich Mullins had been tragically killed in an automobile accident. I was stunned. I felt a strange sense of loss for me (and the world) yet a gain for God.

My pat answer to those people who ask that getting to know you question, "who has been the most influential person in your life" is almost always Rich Mullins. I never met Rich Mullins personally. I had the chance once; at an after-concert (September 22, 1995 at the Arena Theatre) meet and greet at the then Theophilus book store in Bellaire. Although I didn't go because after the concert I was tired and thought I'd have another chance to meet him. First lesson learned: don't take anything for granted.

Regardless of whether or not I met him personally, Rich's impact on my life has been substantial. You see, Rich really got it. Know what I mean? I mean really? When you meet someone who really gets it and maybe you haven't yet? And you're drawn in like a moth to a light... seeking to understand what they have that you want. I am richer to have learned so much from him and I thank God for that. You see, Rich didn't have the perfect life... or have it all figured out. He appreciated the unfathomable greatness of God and surrendered his imperfections... and has the perfect testimony because of it.

Just some of the things that he did stick in my head. Like the fact that he allowed his board of directors to give away his yearly earnings (millions), save a medium wage (thousands) for himself. And at the Dove Awards buffet one year (after he was a "big name"), he went behind the buffet to relieve a server who had been on his feet for a while.

I want to take a moment, in a tribute of sorts, to remember some his thoughts:

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In terms of eternity, those people who did the greatest things for God were the people who weren't trying to do anything at all. They were just simply being obedient
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We all want to be useful to God. Well, its no big deal. God can use anybody. God used Nebuchadnezzar. God used Judas Iscariot. Its not a big deal to be used by God and the shocking thing in the book of Mark, and the reason why it is so shocking is because Mark is the briefest of all the gospels but he has these terrific little details and one of the little details is that it says, "and Jesus called to Him those that He wanted." And you realize that out of the twelve people that He wanted, only one was essential to His goal in coming to earth. The other eleven people were useless to Christ but they were wanted by Christ. And I kind of go, I would much rather have God want me than have God use me.
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The hardest part of being a Christian is surrendering and that is where the real struggle happens. Once we have overcome our own desire to be elevated, our own desire to be recognized, our own desire to be independent and all those things that we value very much because we are Americans and we are part of this American culture. Once we have overcome that struggle then God can use us as a part of His body to accomplish what the body of Christ was left here to accomplish.
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The Bible is not a book for the faint of heart. It is a book full of all the greed and glory and violence and tenderness and sex and betrayal that benefits mankind. It is not the collection of pretty little anecdotes mouthed by pious little church mice. It does not so much nibble at our shoe as it cuts to the heart and splits the marrow from bone to bone. It does not give us answers fitted to our smaller minded questions but truth that goes beyond what we even know to ask.
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I don't think you read the Bible to know truth. I think you read the Bible to find God, that we encounter Him there.
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And it was just a few years ago that I finally realized that friendship is not a remedy for loneliness. Loneliness is a part of our experience and if we are looking for relief from loneliness in friendship, we are only going to frustrate the friendship. Friendship, camaraderie, intimacy, all those things, and loneliness live together in the same experience.
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God is a good God. He will complete our lives. He will impute his holiness onto us. The wonderful thing about God is that I deeply feel that once we come into the covenant through Jesus, once we have come through the way with him, that God really sees Christ when he looks at us and the sin in our life really is buried with Christ. And when God looks on us he sees what Christ has imputed onto us. And the work of the Spirit is just to get us to catch up with what has already happened.
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I think the big problem is that, as Christians, we forgot that our identity is wrapped up in Christ and for a long time we bought into the illusion that the will of the masses would be more generous and more benevolent than the will of one dictator. But democracy isn't necessarily bad politics, its just bad math. A thousand corrupt minds are just as evil as one corrupt mind.
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There's so much more, so I enourage you to click on the link marked Rich Mullins and read more of his writings and his songs. They are all to the glory of God.

I leave this last part to my friends at Houston's First Baptist Church who have ventured out, with the grace and mercy of God, to start a new Sunday School class...

Rich's walk with Christ was highly influenced by a book by Brennan Manning
entitled "The Ragamuffin Gospel". And in that book Mr. Manning wrote, among
other things, "The ragamuffin gospel reveals that Jesus forgives sins including
sins of the flesh, that He is comfortable with sinners who remember how to show
compassion, but that He cannot and will not have a relationship with pretenders
in the Spirit." Rich Mullins was certainly no pretender. He was the real deal.
-- John Rivers, 20 the countdown magazine tribute to Rich Mullins

All for now,
Lisa

The River Side vs. The Lake Side

The other day, I was talking to a New Orleans native about the flooding. Although a lot of New Orleans received some sort of flooding, she was telling me the areas most impacted. As she was explaining to me the areas, I could tell she also was analyzing it in her head. She finally said, "You know, it seems that the areas most impacted are on the Lake [Ponchatrain] side vs. the [Mississippi] River side". Then she said something that really got me to thinking... "I guess the silt built up by the river reinforced the levees".

I couldn't help but see a spiritual analogy here. Strength from movement. Weakness from lack of movement. I'm sure it still doesn't make sense. Let me explain with another water analogy.

In Israel, the Sea of Galilee is freshwater lake fed by three rivers. The beautiful lake is completely encircled by a beach and is a popular tourist attraction. The water is cool and clear and contains many varieties of fish (including the most famous "St. Peter's Fish"). Out of the Sea of Galilee flows another freshwater river... the very famous Jordan River. The Jordan River flows south and empties into the Dead Sea... which is, as we all know, saltwater. OK... freshwater, freshwater, saltwater. Why?

You see the Sea of Galilee has an input (three rivers) and an output (Jordan River) -- movement. The Dea Sea only has an input; no output -- no movement.

Ok, let me get to the bottom line: in our lives, there has to be inputs and outputs... movement... for strength, for life. I remember Beth Moore calling it the "breathing in" and "breathing out" of Christ. Breathing in is the study, meditation, prayer and the breathing out is the worship, service, and works. Without both, we are succeptible, just like those levees, to failing to be what we are called to be.

Are you on the river side or the lake side?

All for now,
Lisa

P.S. And you know what? I love that these analogies involve water...

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

John 4:10

Days at the Dome: The Anatomy of Spiritual Failure and Where to Go from There
Guest Blogger: Judy Wu


It is an honor to have a friend such as Judy Wu relate her experiences at the Reliant Center and the Dome. If you don't know Judy, she is an extremely bright person and a woman whose walk with Christ is commendable. I appreciate her honesty and transprency here. I'm sure you'll agree with me that what she shares tells a story of grace and mercy.

All for now,
Lisa

Dear Friends in Christ,

Like most of you, I've watched television coverage of the Katrina disaster and about the tens of thousands of people streaming into the Astrodome and other parts of Houston for refuge. I wanted to help. I wanted to go “be the hands and feet of Jesus.” Being medically trained, I felt like I had some specific skills to offer. And I live only 2.5 miles from the Astrodome/Reliant complex. Friday night, I decided to volunteer my medical skills at the Dome. On my way there, I asked that the Lord to put me in a useful place. I ended up being assigned to the triage clinic in the Reliant Center where people were beginning to arrive. The Astrodome was well covered and they didn’t need any more people there. But the pace was rather slow at Reliant Center, since only a few buses had arrived there. I began to indulge a complaining spirit. This was not the heroic medical work I had envisioned. But people did start coming in, and I did see a few patients and get to help some people who needed it: a heart patient, one with a knee injury, one with multiple medical problems, one with pink eye, etc. They told me their stories of survival and the horrors in the Superdome. I listened attentively and offered comfort. They were so grateful to be treated with kindness after what they had been through. And then I left.

The next morning, I realized that I had not offered to pray with a single patient. I never mentioned Jesus to anyone. Why? I was not short on time. No one was threatening to fire me if I did. It would not have been awkward or conspicuous. It just… didn’t occur to me. I was too obsessed with my own usefulness, with my own ability to render aid, with the medical problems before me. How could I forget to do the most important thing? It gets worse…

I actually went into the Astrodome the following day. I could focus on the good that I did – and I did do some good – but I really want to share with you my most significant failures because I think that many fellow believers will benefit from my experience and hopefully be able to avoid them. Two patient interactions are forever burned onto my heart and mind. One woman was brought to me complaining of pain related to a previous injury. I asked her what the injury was, and she said she had been stabbed in the shoulder by her ex-husband some years ago. She said that her doctor in New Orleans had been prescribing a potent muscle relaxant and a narcotic, and that she was out and in severe pain. The medications she named, incidentally, have high addiction potential. I examined her and failed to find a scar. So I knew she was lying. But this went through my mind: Obviously she is a drug seeker, but she deserves to have some relief because of what she has just gone through. I didn’t have the heart (or the guts) to call out her dishonesty because I felt like it would have been cruel. (What??!!) So what did I do? I wrote her a prescription for a 10-20-day supply (I don’t remember exactly). I didn’t give her the narcotic pain medication she asked for in addition to that – just enough of the muscle relaxant to placate her. And I sent her on her way. (WHAT??!!) But wait… it gets worse…

A 17-year old boy was brought to me for diarrhea (that’s what he told the nurse), but as it turns out, he was having symptoms indicative of a sexually transmitted disease. He had been scheduled for an appointment at a clinic in New Orleans, but because the hurricane hit, he never got to go. So I gave him an antibiotic prescription and exhorted him strongly to take all of it as written or something worse could happen. And then I said, “If you’re going to have sex, use protection.” (WHAT??!!! I sound like Planned Parenthood!) As I said it, I went through these steps: “No, you should be telling him to abstain. Yeah, right, like he’s going to do that. Oh well, it’s too late to take back what I just said, and it’s just going to sound stupid anyway. His entire culture supports that behavior.” And then I sent him on his way.

Now… if this were not my story and it were someone else’s story, I would be all over that person for walking in unbelief, believing the lies of the devil, buying into the philosophies of the world… you name it, I could dissect out all the problems in great detail. But it’s my own story. And unfortunately, I can do all those things too, but at the end of the day, it’s not just an academic exercise – it’s real life affecting real people, and it involves my very real shortcomings. Realization and conviction for all these things hit me yesterday, and I wept bitterly over the opportunities I didn’t recognize and are now forever gone, the genuine God-given usefulness that I overlooked and thus squandered, and for the pride in my heart that made it all possible. My narcissistic drive to be heroic ended in brokenhearted-ness over my utter failure, my denial of Christ and a profound sense of the significance of what I had and had not done. Unlike the Apostle Paul, I could not say, “I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” (Acts 20:26,27) I remembered all these stories that I have studied and taught – the man Jesus healed by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5), the woman at the well (John 4), and how Jesus always called people to a higher plane of living, out of darkness and into light. I settled for the lowest common denominator.

I walked away from those experiences feeling as if I had been tossed about on the waves. I had forgotten to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6), I went without prayer support, without another believer with me (Jesus sent his disciples out in twos), without having spent time in prayer with God, and thinking that I could somehow accomplish something significant in my own strength based on my worldly skills, biblical knowledge, and history of evangelistic training. As a result, when God brought these opportunities before me, I didn’t recognize them for what they were, I was vulnerable to believing the enemy’s lies, susceptible to operating out of my sinful nature, and I ended up doing nothing of eternal significance. How’s that for a day’s work? I felt strong going in, but I was found to be weak and inadequate. I share this not out of a place of self-condemnation (that’s where I started), but out of knowing that God can redeem even the worst failures, that He intends for us to be fruitful, and that He will empower us for the tasks before us as long as we walk closely with Him and let Him keep our own sin from ruling us.

Folks, the ubelieving world can meet physical and emotional needs, can offer a listening ear, can show compassion. We as believers must do all that and more. Even in the midst of outwardly serving others, I in my self-absorption lost sight of the fact that I have been entrusted the message of eternal life and that it is the only hope that people really have in this world. If we want to help the masses of people that have been brought to our door, we have to believe that God can do a miracle at every turn. We have to see beyond the circumstances related to the disaster and see into their souls. We must do people a service by calling out their sin and calling them to repent, and we must trust the Holy Spirit to work. Don’t be caught off guard like I was. Be prepared. Spend time with God and get His perspective. Let Him remind you afresh of what you already know and have studied. Because when you go to serve these dear, displaced people, you will be entering the enemy’s territory. Without the belt of truth buckled around your waist, you’ll be susceptible to falling for the same lies that I did. Without the breastplate of righteousness, you’ll be willing to indulge/make excuses other people’s sin, and you will fail to have a redemptive effect on their lives. Without feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, you will literally forget what your chief calling is in every interaction. Without the shield of faith, you will settle for the lowest common denominator and fail to trust God to transform the life in front of you. Without the sword of the Spirit, you’ll be making human judgments instead of exercising truthful and spiritual discernment. I know. I’ve been there recently. May the Lord grant us grace, strength, power, wisdom, and humility.

Love in Christ,
Judy

Hold Me Jesus

This song has gone through my head a million times since Katrina hit land. Thought I would share it with you.

Hold Me Jesus
Rich Mullins: A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band


Well, sometimes my life just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

I'm singing hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace


Copyright 1993 - Edward Grant, Inc.

Overwhelmed

Sorry for the somewhat inappropriate pun here, but I can't think of a better word to use. Hurricane Katrina has brought to me a flood of emotions.

Yes, I'm overwhelmed by all of the destruction. The devastation delivered by Hurricane Katrina is evident throughout the Gulf Coast, not just the well-publicized New Orleans -- which was hit very hard also. Hurricane Katrina is now being called the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States.

But might I also say, at the same time, I'm besieged by what I see from human behavior in response to the tragedy -- the juxtaposition of the generosity of people willing to give so much and so readily and the greed and lawlessness of looters willing to take so much and so readily.

The weird thing is that I can identify with the heart and motivation of each. I know “how can I help” has gone through my head countless times since I heard about the effects of Katrina. I also know that I probably would go to pretty severe means to provide for my loved ones. Their desperation is palpable... losing hope can be a grim experience.

All of this got me thinking about when it seems like life has brought more of a load than others or I can bear. Then, this simple statement came to mind

God doesn't give you more than you can handle

Phooey. If that were the case then it must follow that we can handle absolutely everything. How does one handle a situation like a loved one suffocating to death in an attic because of rising waters, or dying slowly because of dehydration? Simple answer: one doesn't. At least not on his/her own. In my experience, God often gives me more than I can handle. If He didn’t, I wouldn't be as dependent on Him as I need to be. But please don’t misinterpret this as I’m always willing to be dependent on Him as I need to be. I confess that even when I know God is in the midst of it, there are times when life's situations seem to be too unbearable, which often leads me to taking matters into my hands. And, as you might imagine, that’s when the real trouble begins! But I digress.

This below scripture is often touted as the "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" proof.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it
(1 Cor.10:13)

The part I want to focus on is that when we are tempted, God will provide a way of escape without giving into sin. The important part here is that you won't give into sin. What does God plan for... our temptation or our good? I rest in the following:

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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts: WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you're like me, “how can I help” has gone through your head countless times since we've heard about the effects of Katrina. So, let me provide some information for your use. As the Nike commercial says, "Just do it". By the way, I've cut and pasted these from a variety of places... this is just a "one stop shop". My thanks to all... I really can't remember where I found them all.

1. Pray
This is not an option! And before you do any of the below, please be in prayer. Realize that this disaster has impacted everyone to some extent. And from what I've heard about the shelters, people are much sicker than first realized, they're scared, frustrated, and losing hope. Be sensitive to the stress level. And when you're out there, take a moment to make certain that your well-meaning actions do not inadvertently add more stress. Sometimes, just sitting out for a moment to take it in and pray can be more effective than anything else.

2. Give (and it can be more than money)

Give blood
http://www.giveblood.org/

There are a variety of ways to give money

HFBC: Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund. Go to http://www.houstonsfirst.org and click on "Gulf Coast Disaster Relief". I understand that all one-time donations made this week on the web will automatically be sent to the disaster relief fund.

Red Cross: For Donations call 1-800-HELP NOW or go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

Salvation Army: For Donations of Money and/or Goods call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to https://secure3.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform&projectid=USN-hurricane05


3. Go
If you're interested in volunteering, sign up at http://www.harriscountycitizencorps.com/ . This is the official volunteer effort of Harris County. When you sign up you will receive updates on the needs at shelters across the city.

Be aware that, in accordance with federal law, all volunteers are required to complete a two-hour training session before assisting with the relief efforts. These training sessions will be held at Second Baptist Worship Center on the following dates:
Saturday, 9/3 - 9:00 am
Sunday, 9/4 - 2:00 pm
Monday, 9/5 - 1:00 pm

You can volunteer to serve meals at HFBC. For details, call 713.957.5845


More Information:
The United Way has set up a daily-updated website which is a compilation of all the different organizations and locations

http://katrina.uwtgc.org/index.html



Any thoughts?

Lisa

You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little

The other night, I watched "Seabiscuit" with four friends. It is the true-story of a David horse with a Goliath heart, a country which at the time had been building exponently on the American dream, and the people whose dream had been recently shattered by it's own drive.

It's a story of some unlikely heros

* Seabiscuit "the Biscuit" - a down and out, left for broken, thorough-bred race horse
* Johnny "Red" Pollard - a partially-blind, beaten up rider abandoned as a child by his depression-suffering family
* Charles Howard - a millionaire who had lost everthing: his money, his relationships, his progeny
* Tom Smith - the quiet and mysterious horse trainer whose free-range heart had been barbed by American progress

I was reminded of how different each one was from the other and it was their differences that helped each other so greatly. And how their loyalty to one another ensured their success. And the success of Seabiscuit would not have happened without each one of them. They really didn't set out to find each other; it just happened that way - serendipity (or might I say providence) at its finest. They each had traveled, at some point, from the bottom of the heap to the top. That's probably why Seabiscuit resonated with so many people... that's the way America especially likes to crown its champions... those who have fought and clawed their way to the top.

However, the fifth unlikely hero is the one of whom I want to make the most mention. Because he did not necessarily climb the ladder up... in fact, he climbed the ladder down.

* George Woolf - a gifted jockey who was willing to step back to help another friend step up

Woolf was a generous man and a good friend to Red Pollard. When Pollard was injured in a near-fatal accident, Pollard recommended Woolf take his place on top of Seabiscuit in an important race. And when Woolf rode Seabiscuit to victory, he was asked how it felt to win. From the horses mount, Woolf's response was something like, "I only wish my friend Red Pollard could be here to enjoy it instead of me". I was glad-hearted to hear such a humble response. And when in one of the last races they would do together, it was Woolf that slowed down in a race to let Pollard and Seabiscuit catch up and give Seabiscuit the determination to kick it in a higher gear (Pollard and Woolf knew that, when challenged, Seabiscuit would press to victory)! Woolf's actions spoke volumes to me. Jockeys had to win to stay in the game. But Woolf took a step back to help a friend up.

I'm reminded of something Louie Giglio wrote a long time ago (January 2001). Check it out here --> http://www.passionnow.org/lgjournal011701.htm

In it, he talks about his own ascent to the top of the Matterhorn. But that was only half (although the foremost in his mind at the time) of the battle. But the way down would provide the most insight.

the christian life is a continual journey to new lows of greatness. His call is
simple... humble yourself and become as small as you are so that Christ in you
can be as big as He is. with the world, all the glory is in getting up. with
God, it's all in getting down.

You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little. And I suppose when you know where you're going, it doesn't matter what it looks like.


All for now,
Lisa

It's all about the Journey

Every goal is a grave, when you get there. DH Lawrence

DH Lawrence's quote is quite appropriate for this journal entry. For I've understood for a while that it's not about the end, but the journey. But the end is also important, and should not be ignored. I suppose now I view the end as the beginning. That the end of life will oblidge eternity for me.

But this is the time of my education. I've learned on this journey so far is that we must "let the puzzle of the human heart be what it is."

Drifting off to sleep, I thought about [my mother]. How nobody is perfect. How
you just have to close your eyes and breathe out and let the puzzle of the human
heart be what it is. The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd

And that at that point in time you become anxious because you outgrow your most comfortable answers that you will let stillness be the teacher. Or maybe the pointer or road marker of sorts.

Stillness is the sign post
Jesus is the teacher

It points the way to Jesus because His still, silent voice must be discerned - an ear stretched to hear it. What also I have learned recently is that sometimes Jesus can be still also. Not necessarily giving you an answer or direction (for those of us who have walked in obedience a while that can be too comfortable). I'm reminded of Jehoshaphat and his response to God. When Israel was being invaded by the mighty armies, his repsonse was "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chron 20)

So, my eyes are upon You. My ears are tuned to the sound of Your voice. And I am present at this point of my journey.

All for now,
Lisa

OPA!

Today my father celebrates 73 years on this earth. Happy Birthday, Dadeo!

My daddy is an amazing man, but that word seems completely inadequate. But what word would be? A friend of mine said, "Maybe what the heart feels most keenly can’t be pressed neatly into language." That's how I feel. But nonetheless, let me try to tell you a little about him.

Let me tell you how he was the first from his family EVER to graduate college (and one of the few to graduate high school (first in his class I might add)... and even go on to complete a Master's Degree. The last son of Greek immigrant parents, he had to work his way from the "wrong side of the tracks" through the Navy (for a college scholarship) to being vice-president of an oil corporation.

He's a child of the depression but there's nothing depressing in his memories of his childhood. I love the way he fondly recollects fun times, sad events, and still moments with his family. He had a healthy fear of his father and a tender softness with his mother (both of whom I only know through his stories).

I, too, have good memories of my childhood. I remember how being outside at night and just seeing the red glow from the end of his cigarette told me safety was just in the distance. I not only remember him being there but also how important it was to him to be there at all my recitals, concerts, games, half-time shows, and other celebrations... and that made me feel the most special!! For that I am forever grateful. He was always supportive of my dreams, as lofty as they could be. And that showed me the value of having dreams.

Oh how I've always loved just to hang around with him. My dad has a fun sense about him. I love his tenderness which he often tries to hide under a facade of the tough guy image of his generation. But he knows with one look from me that he can't get away with it and his shy smile tells me it’s ok anyway. I love the way he can get tickled and starts giggling so much he starts tearing up. I also love the way he can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone. It never ceases to amaze me how he can always find common ground with someone and I'm over and over again stunned by how much he knows. I love that he calls me with newspaper details that he knows I would want to know and saves those State's quarters for me without me having to ask. The best thing I love is the way I'm sure he's always going to say, "I love you" before we depart.

And let me speak of his generosity. I think the most generous people are ones that had nothing to begin with. It goes without saying that he literally would give his last dollar to his child (and this child is grateful), but I'm humbled by the number of times and the extravagant ways he's gone to offer a friend or a stranger a heaping helping hand.

He's an excellent teacher. He's taught me so much. How to throw a ball (he is why I can throw a football spiral so well), how to tell a joke, how to do math (he's a whiz), how to play cards, how to read a map, how to dance, and how to fix about anything that's broken. True story on my father's teaching ability... One day (probably about 1995), I was in a Texaco training class and an older gentleman was sitting next to me. I noticed he kept staring at my name tag and then looking at me, then staring at my name tag and then glancing back at me. I got a little scared. Then he said, "Karabatsos, that's an interesting name... is it your married name" (now, I was really freaked out). I said, "No, it's my daddy's name". Then he said, "Is your father George Karabatsos?" "Yes, he is". Then you won't believe this, but he said, "Well, your father was the graduate teaching assistant in my first-year geology class at the University of Nebraska in 1955 and I think the best one I had". WOW!!! The man remembered my father 40 years later!!!

But mostly he taught me to be the best person I could be. And the value of family as priority. He taught me that family was so much more important than the world thought it was. It was important to stick with them through thick and thin and to be there for each other. Life has not been easy for him, but he has been easy to be with. Together, we've been through the loss of my sister and other horrible tragedies. But it's been a little more bearable because we've been through it together.

My dad doesn't move as fast now as he used to and sometimes he tells me the same story over again, but to me, my dad will always be the Greek titan I remember as my hero. My sister said it best when she wrote in a card to him years ago, "Dad, you've been an Olympic 10.0 dad... thanks!"

I love you, daddy. And I thank God for you.


All for now,
Lisa

Jesus made a bridge out of two boards and three nails

This was on a marquee of a church that I passed cycling last Saturday morning.

One of the things I like most about cycling is speed. And it's probably not the speed that comes first to your mind. Because while I do like going down hills fast, what I like most about cycling is that you're going slowly enough to be able to read boards like this and because you're going slower it gives you time to think about things... and have different trails of thoughts which can be totally unrelated. Let me demonstrate.

Trail #1
Yes, Jesus did make a bridge for us; for which I am forever thankful. And yes it was out of two boards and three nails, but that's not the crucial element(s). Because while those boards and nails were used, what was critical (and not mentioned) was His body. Because without His body, all it was were two boards and three nails. And there is nothing especially redemptive about that.

Trail #2
Wasn't He a carpenter by trade? Just a cursory thought, but it just got me thinking sideways for a moment. I suppose because I like making things out of common objects not normally valued. I think this is called found art.

Trail #3
Somewhat related to trail #2. Thinking about found art got me thinking of a great hymn... Amazing Grace (another thing I like about cycling (and usually cycling alone) is that you can sing and you might get some strange looks and though you may be going slow, you're going fast enough to pass any strange looks quickly). The line that came to mind was I once was lost and now I'm found. I was a common object not normally valued and He made me priceless.

I think Jesus likes found art too.


All for now,
Lisa

It's in the Hymns

I'm a sucker for a great hymn. Don't get me wrong. If you know anything about me, you know that I lean towards contemporary praise songs. And my preference is a contemporary over a traditional worship service. But, nonetheless, I'm a sucker for a great hymn. And though it seems that many a contemporary artist (Bart Millard, Amy Grant, Ashley Cleveland, Jars of Clay just to name a few) is now recasting the great hymns, I guess you could say, I was a hymner before being a hymner was cool.

So, last night, a friend of mine and I went to the Robbie Seay Band CD release party. It was a rockin' time! Before they played the hymn, "Come Ye Sinners". Robbie mentioned that a music critic had recently written in his review that RSB's version of it was a "unnecessary but fine arrangement". Well, in my opinion (as well as a few others) RSB does a fantasic job of this hymn. Matter of fact, I had never heard this hymn before RSB played it. So, I thank him for that and I thank him for his wonderful arrangement.

I found out that "Come Ye Sinners" was written by Joseph Hart in 1759. That's 246 years ago if you're counting. Think about that one. It was written before the American Revolution. But how timely is the message? I think that's what keeps coming home to me with hymns and maybe why I love them so much. How easily I can identify with someone who lived so long ago.

Here's the lyrics. Ponder them if you have a moment.

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.

Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.

So, do you have a favorite hymn or hymns? If so, any particular reason?

Unshakling Mysteries

Even though my mom noted early on that I was quite skillful with my hands, most of my life has been a very black and white adventure - punctuated by an MBA and 15 years in business. My journey into the hues has been marked by a series of unexpected signposts. The allure of art has been a recent yet irresistible attraction. I have discovered that art unshackles mysteries which cannot merely be seen. They must be experienced.

So, what has been the key to unshakle mysteries for you? Maybe the experience was reading a book or completing some goal that you've had for a while.