Chill - grace - perspective - being part of the bigger story...

We're supposed to be in Amherst Nova Scotia doing a retreat with 30 young adults right now - but a blizzard warning cancelled the weekend just as we were gearing up to go. Ouch!

I've felt a tinge of a cold coming on and have been really tired - we haven't had a full day to ourselves for so long - so...

I slept in today, went to the gym, had an amazing RPM cycling class, eucalyptus in the sauna, nice breakfast, grapefruit juice included, in my new hangout, read the paper, listened to classical music on the radio - songs from my past - Bach cello, Prelude to a Fawn Ravel, Barber of Seville, did my devotions, read the paper, did the Saturday crossword (I was on) - the sun was streaming through the window, the gas fireplace giving appropriate ambience.

Oh I am so grateful for a sabbath rest - if it's good for the creator, it's good for me. I am so grateful to be loved by eternal God, to have a home prepared for me - hope.

I am also grateful that as a "resdient alien" - the simple things in life can give such joy - all is grace. I don't need much, but when it comes my way, I am most thankful.

Heck, even shovelling the driveway in the brilliant sun was grace.

Solitiude was cool, but spending time with friends and family this afternoon will be cool as well. A movie, some scrabble, some time in a book tomorrow, and more sabbath rest tomorrow.

I'll get to Amherst one day, then maybe not - but God is with me, I am part of his bigger story.

The small things - given with great love; the small things - received with great gratitude.

Thank you Jesus!

Part of the Big Show.....

Eric Sandras in "Buck Naked Faith" says:

"many of us have been taught to memorize bible verses out of context and live by the warm fuzzy rhetoric of wall plaques for so long that we have lost our part in the larger story.

In order for the kingdom of God to thrive in my life, I must be willing to be a part of it, not just say that I am."

God's not an add-on to my life, but my life is lived in Him. Everything around us is potentially God's script.

As we find our role, and character in the grand drama, as we take time to grow deeper and pursue Jesus until he reveals our callings we can come alive in community. Not like a Hollywood stage prop - which is real until someone leans on it too hard for support.

Healthy community breeds healthy follower of Christ - the cast in the greater drama. Cool!

AND THE FLESH BECAME WORDS....

John's gospel says that in Jesus, the word became flesh.

Gerard Kelly quotes in "Retrofuture" that for the church "the flesh has become words".

Jesus walked where I walk, tempted as I am tempted...my sympathetic high priest - he talks to God on my behalf - couldn't get a better advocate.

Boy this flesh gets a little weary mid-winter - thankfully the spirit is willing.

Was at a gala Sat. p.m. with 43 Paralympic Athletes - talk about spirit, I shall not whine!

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my redeemer.

There' a fountain flowing deep and wide....

Oh the deep deep love of Jesus!

O Boundless Salvation!

Deep and wide, there's a fountain flowing deep and wide!

(Heard an SA band play this last Sunday at St. John's Citadel (cool), took me back to Sunday School when I sang it as a tot (Cool).

With all the change in me and the world and the church in 50 years - HIS GRACE AND MERCY ARE SO DEEP, and fresh each morning and customized to each human being at any time, anywhere and that is very cool!

Deep is calling unto deep - rugged are the heights and steep!

Oh he deep deep love of Jesus

IN THE LOVE OF JESUS THERE IS ALL I NEED!!

By his grace forgiven! In His presence blest!
In the love of Jesus is perfect rest!

Deeper than any problem, issue, challenge - he is deeper still!

Not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived

"What is life?" according to Thomas Merton for you Jeopardy fans.

And the spiritual disciplines (do you feel the Lent theme coming on) guide us in that regard.

Discipline without discipleship = self-assertion
Discipleship without discipline = faddism

The mystery of the obedient servant in this world. What's good for Jesus is prescribed for us - It's not formulaic – do discipline, get compassion.

“It is like raking away the leaves that cover the pathways in the garden of our souls”

Discipline unveils, it is an effort to reveal not conquer – keep us focused.

My favourite jazz musicians can soar into the mystery, because they've got their scales down.

Let us live our life before people that they would be constrained to look to Jesus - the mystery lived on earth!

Ode to a Youth Worker....

Quote from an adult: "I would like to take just a moment of your time here to mention our Youth Director. Her time with us has resulted in a measurable groundswell among our young people. She has nurtured and mentored them in a way that has touched their lives and truly inspired many of them.

But beyond even that, she has loved them with a sincere, heartfelt and genuine love that just surrounded so many of them. They love her because she loves them, and several of them are now attending church regularly for the first time in their lives.

She has probably and quite literally saved the life of my oldest daughter.
I’m grateful for her and sincerely want you to know what an exceptionally dedicated and caring youth worker the Army has in her. She embodies much of what the Army stands for in its youth work."

I rejoice in this report - I also know money threatens this ministry. Please pray - its miracle time - reaching into lives - finding resources to get it done!

Ode to a Youth Worker....

Quote from an adult: "I would like to take just a moment of your time here to mention our Youth Director. Her time with us has resulted in a measurable groundswell among our young people. She has nurtured and mentored them in a way that has touched their lives and truly inspired many of them.

But beyond even that, she has loved them with a sincere, heartfelt and genuine love that just surrounded so many of them. They love her because she loves them, and several of them are now attending church regularly for the first time in their lives.

She has probably and quite literally saved the life of my oldest daughter.
I’m grateful for her and sincerely want you to know what an exceptionally dedicated and caring youth worker the Army has in her. She embodies much of what the Army stands for in its youth work."

I rejoice in this report - I also know money threatens this ministry. Please pray - its miracle time - reaching into lives - finding resources to get it done!