Community....

Hadn't been at my home church for several weeks. A little weary after leading the Ignite Leadership retreat at Jackson's, but I made the effort, glad I did.

I sang songs of worship, I participated in dialogue with the group about prayer and then we prayed. I deposited by offering. I heard a message from Nehemiah on practical ways to protect that which is important (namely our walk with Christ). In the closing circle I held hands with a lady I had never met before, first time visitor (she had requested we pray for those who are addicted, so I'm thinking she's been touched by that huge) and my blind friend from China, Hong-Shu, and then I had good-hearted handshakes, smiles, and conversations with several people. Good to be physically present with the local church commnity with whom I identify.

The weekend was marvellous, including a serendipitous introduction to "speed scrabble", a successful ascending of the "Climbing wall" (felt sooooooooooooooooo good - last year was ill - had to bail half-way up - thanks Kanga!), some good cemetery and ponder the sunset on beach time, and generally marvellous interaction with what we at one point had playfully dubbed my harem - four young, incredible women of Italian, Hong Kong, Australian descent, who are all pressing full on for what God wants to do in their lives.

God drew close - the ulimate community.

In His time.....

Yesterday I received a message from a friend via a friend. I was informed that Mr. St. Pierre had died, and that his daughter (who now happens to be a Salvation Army officer) had wanted to know that she was confident that he was in heaven, and she was so thankful for that fact.

About 15 years ago while in Ottawa at Ottawa Citadel I had received a phone call from the Officer in Timmins concerning the father of Darlene Hastings (who attended the corps).

I said I would go visit, the cardiac unit at the Civic Hospital. His surgery was quite significant and while I remember him and our conversation, I don't remember details. I'm sure I read scripture, prayed, listened and was fully present.

I had heard since that time that I had communicated grace to him, and then yesterday his daughter wanted to convey that while she sensed loss, she was so grateful that he was at peace, and wanted me to know of the role I had played.

Quite humbling actually. We sow seeds, not even knowing we're sowing sometimes, we do the little things with great love. We do not always see the result, or perhaps even need to know the result, but then a "grace dropping" happens and we stop and give thanks to God for who he is, his calling on our lives, his timing, his grace.

In his time, he makes all things beautiful in his time - he has set eternity in the hearts of men, and we are privileged to be conduits, both receving and extending that grace.

Glory be to God!

He makes all things beautiful in His time...

God of light - let there be light!

There was a whole of light going on last week at Territorial school of Music - get a flavour on tsomaga.blogspot.com

A week of miracles, inner healing, challenge, community - deep unto deep.

The Lord is my light and salvation. The Lord dispels darkness, when we let him into those secret places.

We could never take his radiance full on - his glory would be too much. But he distills it through various revelations, significantly enough through people.

Lord let your light, light of your face shine on us - that we might be saved! Hallelujah.