tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51701786241619530442024-03-05T20:47:38.576-05:00New Hope Community LifeWe are a group of people who believe in life together, making a difference in the world. Join us as we share our stories.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-10998405650088835352009-12-26T00:26:00.003-05:002009-12-26T00:35:27.974-05:00New Hope MembersWe had a great time getting acquainted with Adam and Jackie Stevens on December 20. And we'd like to take the next step with them. We are encouraging all of New Hope to prayerfully consider how God is leading and be a part of the gatherings on the weekend of January 2 & 3. During those gatherings you will have the opportunity to vote. We are asking that all participate (whether you are a member or not), so we can have as much feedback as possible to share with Adam and Jackie.<br /><br />There will be ballots for both members and non-members alike, so join us and share you thoughts. <br /><br />The board has spent much time considering this clergy couple and we are looking forward to all that God is going to do in 2010.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-39061891647486470462009-12-16T21:39:00.001-05:002009-12-16T21:42:38.827-05:00Upcoming at New HopeExciting News from New Hope’s Board!<br /><br />This Sunday, December 20, we welcome Adam Stevens, New Hope’s potential pastor. Adam will speak at one combined gathering on Sunday at 10.30a and we’ll hear from Jackie via video (NO SATURDAY GATHERING). There will be regular classes for our kids.<br /><br />Then we’ll all hang out afterwards for a Chili Potluck. During the potluck we’ll have a Q&A with Adam. Chili will be provided; bring a salad or dessert to share.<br /><br />Also, join us on Thursday, December 24, for the Christmas Eve Gathering.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-53030575951645842602009-11-25T06:52:00.002-05:002009-11-25T06:53:14.347-05:00Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-F70CsGGcRSuu_zlC9JHNdAdBoVg_dud8viGbmYJy9DXCQoJm1hODqckEuxGeZ3EtCdC42BbJ6hzvHJWGRLlgy-MZoff3EM6apUhBeXG3RsWbaXzMjKdWypC9M5NlInVpXV2qr_Vl9AO2/s1600/HappyThanksgiving.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-F70CsGGcRSuu_zlC9JHNdAdBoVg_dud8viGbmYJy9DXCQoJm1hODqckEuxGeZ3EtCdC42BbJ6hzvHJWGRLlgy-MZoff3EM6apUhBeXG3RsWbaXzMjKdWypC9M5NlInVpXV2qr_Vl9AO2/s400/HappyThanksgiving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408007963731132162" /></a>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-33085519940896994232009-11-12T08:53:00.000-05:002009-11-12T08:54:35.769-05:00A Prayer of Self-DedicationAlmighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-57188330192698822402009-10-28T18:12:00.002-04:002009-10-28T18:15:36.647-04:00God OffersIn Uncertainty, God offers Faith.<br /><br />In Anxiety, God offers Calm.<br /><br />In Confusion, God offers Clarity.<br /><br />In Spinning, God offers Rest.<br /><br />In Fear, God offers Strength.<br /><br />In Insecurity, God offers Solid Ground.<br /><br />In Pressure, God offers Breath.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-25918096218847340532009-10-23T07:21:00.000-04:002009-10-23T07:22:24.945-04:00Every Morning We Will RaiseEvery morning we will raise <br />to our God our songs of praise. <br />Every morning we will raise <br />to our God our songs of praise.<br /><br />With God's kind protection blessed, <br />sweet and deep has been our rest. <br />In the morning we will pray <br />God's protection for this day.<br /><br />What this day will bring to pass, <br />gladness or sorrow we cannot guess. <br />You, who give the light divine, <br />shine on us, Christ Jesus, shine.<br /><br />Then, when comes the dark of night, <br />all with in us still shall be bright; <br />you will bring your peace and love, <br />radient gifts sent down from above.<br /><br />Music: John B. Dykes, (19thC)<br />Words: William H. Furness (19thC) adapted<br />Sequence: Cathouse Pandemonium, Ltd.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-17737328947411907682009-10-20T08:00:00.001-04:002009-10-20T08:05:20.840-04:00Bring the Rain<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8HgAVenbUU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8HgAVenbUU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-83777718975872622482009-10-14T14:23:00.005-04:002009-10-14T14:31:35.580-04:00James Begins This Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I80eT1vPawORiusc22afJLoQOuOMnNAeYbtnOVW5fE9GPFNO2uEb5qjLO9bIY583HJSjexSN7W-1rfN9LgqjwEMxKkADpAN-g7V8JWbZDvoyNTr48bC_uACQvJEJhnvNKPUvrZey1oIV/s1600-h/JAMES-SeriesGraphic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I80eT1vPawORiusc22afJLoQOuOMnNAeYbtnOVW5fE9GPFNO2uEb5qjLO9bIY583HJSjexSN7W-1rfN9LgqjwEMxKkADpAN-g7V8JWbZDvoyNTr48bC_uACQvJEJhnvNKPUvrZey1oIV/s320/JAMES-SeriesGraphic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392525082981153522" /></a><br />This weekend we begin a series from the Book of James. This weekend we'll look at James 1:2-18, "Trials and Temptations."<br /><br />Here is the passage from the Message:<br /><br /> 2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.<br /><br /> 5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.<br /><br /> 9-11When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that's a picture of the "prosperous life." At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.<br /><br /> 12Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.<br /><br /> 13-15Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.<br /><br /> 16-18So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-27954296398661018542009-10-09T07:10:00.000-04:002009-10-09T07:11:09.086-04:00Canticle 18 A Song to the LambSplendor and honor and kingly power *<br />are yours by right, O Lord our God,<br /><br />For you created everything that is, *<br />and by your will they were created and have their being;<br /><br />And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *<br />for with your blood you have redeemed for God,<br /><br />From every family, language, people, and nation, *<br />a kingdom of priests to serve our God.<br /><br />And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *<br />and to Christ the Lamb,<br /><br />Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *<br />for ever and for ever more.<br /><br />Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit<br />as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-57089812885415256672009-10-06T10:17:00.003-04:002009-10-06T10:31:24.691-04:00Living Wall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vFy402ryrIwi46pdKt7PculBXZbqWrIR8rK0zoalrEGz5bQ5yzUKP9Z7ABy33ndwh8YVn9PxMLCN-8t1pLgbF2eB7EfttTMiCFRQ_dS48WjUwqnQ2G201lm7jsdxmg9cGFrH6wB0oEhy/s1600-h/PNC-Green-Wall-4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vFy402ryrIwi46pdKt7PculBXZbqWrIR8rK0zoalrEGz5bQ5yzUKP9Z7ABy33ndwh8YVn9PxMLCN-8t1pLgbF2eB7EfttTMiCFRQ_dS48WjUwqnQ2G201lm7jsdxmg9cGFrH6wB0oEhy/s400/PNC-Green-Wall-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389491301205474242" /></a><br />This is CRAZY! You can check out this HUGE living wall in Pittsburgh at the PNC building.The 2,380 sq foot living wall is soil based and includes many regional plants, all acquired locally within 500 miles of downtown Pittsburgh. It's made up of 602 2×2 ft square panels of life.<br /><br />And it's not just for show. It was designed for beauty as well as energy reduction. As of September 23, the panels reduced the temperature of the building, with preliminary studies showing that the wall behind the panels is 25% cooler than ambient temperatures.<br /><br />Just goes to show that sometimes you have to look beyond what you've always known to get the job done....of course this makes me think of the New Hope community. What are the aspects of friendship that we need to take another look - or a 'new' look at to allow God to create the community HE sees? Where is God doing a new thing? How can we be a part?vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-59015892527198984542009-10-05T07:23:00.001-04:002009-10-05T07:25:06.618-04:00Prayer from the Daily OfficeGeneral Thanksgiving:<br /><br />"Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen."<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.missionstclare.com/">daily office</a>.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-73951037656919531102009-09-28T09:01:00.001-04:002009-09-28T09:01:43.427-04:00A Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-71524901335212606622009-09-25T18:43:00.001-04:002009-09-25T18:43:55.106-04:00Welcome Home, Nate Walker!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RiMdBG3uEDE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RiMdBG3uEDE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-46480642362580823332009-09-21T09:16:00.000-04:002009-09-21T09:17:25.929-04:00Monday Morning Smile<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/npy4X-PmdC4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/npy4X-PmdC4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-62221718677735474022009-08-30T11:28:00.007-04:002009-08-30T11:50:52.037-04:0023 Kicked Off This Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoXYF9doq-qxQGeoS68ij5L1lNF8x96USR1HIwRgc7BiV5h0WRW03YN_H7HHa2C4d2aEPjbG4fTjNPFcBZj5qwoOq7XhNjbrZjXCDXZ4zQQn00hdMjN-GA3XDIdArYgzpwFf1sNFeKul_/s1600-h/Brenda+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoXYF9doq-qxQGeoS68ij5L1lNF8x96USR1HIwRgc7BiV5h0WRW03YN_H7HHa2C4d2aEPjbG4fTjNPFcBZj5qwoOq7XhNjbrZjXCDXZ4zQQn00hdMjN-GA3XDIdArYgzpwFf1sNFeKul_/s400/Brenda+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375782083786410018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76N6UO6wLZYLNG_XfMFzrCVVk1TRMHNMEgoxIodcQk_vD557cb9xipY_ya8Mpm5M88s1s_LhCbQgJijCS4bXOUtl-d4mkhpQQE9wTI3HfW7Y1z9gN2hHAgtmEZAdUdCZfAW6gc5wk6Au2/s1600-h/brenda+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76N6UO6wLZYLNG_XfMFzrCVVk1TRMHNMEgoxIodcQk_vD557cb9xipY_ya8Mpm5M88s1s_LhCbQgJijCS4bXOUtl-d4mkhpQQE9wTI3HfW7Y1z9gN2hHAgtmEZAdUdCZfAW6gc5wk6Au2/s400/brenda+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375781870342457650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWZLhmvmb7UNddaLG2FP24SIdCY1wGwu2BvYZJ8NAJnC7V4GdBrvgBzxF-T-PwAZGuqUmZh62OE6PI6_Mk9jskwtLl3dIIF7jA08NcbpDn6GQGp3rEwhfNlA6buhw160vQhG_92iMkG3k/s1600-h/brenda+4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWZLhmvmb7UNddaLG2FP24SIdCY1wGwu2BvYZJ8NAJnC7V4GdBrvgBzxF-T-PwAZGuqUmZh62OE6PI6_Mk9jskwtLl3dIIF7jA08NcbpDn6GQGp3rEwhfNlA6buhw160vQhG_92iMkG3k/s400/brenda+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375781754592083506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2RnsWGrzgIkdL4TJ2xSQML8SeFnULfNrHU53E0iARzd7cTWen9FsRYIABLW7QzAaO1fNNamv4dKPMPa8yOZzr5XH1mvL9-Di8xlpUxRkmLiosSlKwUQ72uEev8aIRvfxj89qbVub1C2n/s1600-h/brenda+5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2RnsWGrzgIkdL4TJ2xSQML8SeFnULfNrHU53E0iARzd7cTWen9FsRYIABLW7QzAaO1fNNamv4dKPMPa8yOZzr5XH1mvL9-Di8xlpUxRkmLiosSlKwUQ72uEev8aIRvfxj89qbVub1C2n/s400/brenda+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375781635072167282" /></a>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-5451944363865029842009-07-26T09:31:00.004-04:002009-07-26T09:36:12.203-04:00New Hope's LuauWe had a great time at New Hope's Luau on Friday. At one point in the evening I counted people I had met for the first time, who have never been to New Hope's gatherings and there were over 20. That's awesome! Way to take the "bring your friends and family" seriously! It was great to have fun together and make some new friends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEQP4lD-HxD-cHmlSscMzY7vBqz0fEr8K9OpkOqPGKymqsX9BDyNp6ZEo0JRHQ3HlPjRzxICTOURSBh0aoFfHRk5qVJwkRF7_ef6AQIKLSJUGyx_S9YG6WgzW2xZha1TlPv44V-hgT0jC/s1600-h/Across+Room.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEQP4lD-HxD-cHmlSscMzY7vBqz0fEr8K9OpkOqPGKymqsX9BDyNp6ZEo0JRHQ3HlPjRzxICTOURSBh0aoFfHRk5qVJwkRF7_ef6AQIKLSJUGyx_S9YG6WgzW2xZha1TlPv44V-hgT0jC/s400/Across+Room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362761458696495586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-nhO6GzgA66BzRtbFfAOnpDJ4dNlN343_tEekCSJHhenh9J5nDJqMqL2Z08Tfq47yI9UJML3hS1hQoNskP2lUkJ1a3HQH7WNoMm47AnJiWmHK7tYW6DYZjQYnJoAOSols5wBw14g2-U5/s1600-h/Liz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-nhO6GzgA66BzRtbFfAOnpDJ4dNlN343_tEekCSJHhenh9J5nDJqMqL2Z08Tfq47yI9UJML3hS1hQoNskP2lUkJ1a3HQH7WNoMm47AnJiWmHK7tYW6DYZjQYnJoAOSols5wBw14g2-U5/s400/Liz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362761392138047554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJubrIlw2WzAwRMnp8keVOv9bRPyyJ_sdoN42BYyZJKmvzVDlZmXOdE_0RifxV08Cv6I3uCcbHxJ-o9nO0MvqDWtFWinyfToMNfgXyIbeoQOEDP-CkDD6ssO6ZOlcQcTJTMCUCF8pEfhI/s1600-h/Barb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJubrIlw2WzAwRMnp8keVOv9bRPyyJ_sdoN42BYyZJKmvzVDlZmXOdE_0RifxV08Cv6I3uCcbHxJ-o9nO0MvqDWtFWinyfToMNfgXyIbeoQOEDP-CkDD6ssO6ZOlcQcTJTMCUCF8pEfhI/s400/Barb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362761283123123762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YNzm0rh4BdikfyGTgr2byvgCHPSxiRgzi4IowcENhk10yhrWV64_iIOJX5C15pyxScQ6aM1SJj4D_IC3EFVxst8tZch9CYDt6SJbjTtWAHjbWImh2pT4NkgqmWVzvR7anHevt4aCDk-5/s1600-h/George.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YNzm0rh4BdikfyGTgr2byvgCHPSxiRgzi4IowcENhk10yhrWV64_iIOJX5C15pyxScQ6aM1SJj4D_IC3EFVxst8tZch9CYDt6SJbjTtWAHjbWImh2pT4NkgqmWVzvR7anHevt4aCDk-5/s400/George.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362761171304622754" /></a>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-55991251268071171732009-07-13T20:15:00.004-04:002009-07-13T20:47:26.206-04:00Hope MillerGrieving with some friends, celebrating with others...that's the stuff life is made of. <br /><br />Today, New Hope is praying for Harold & Robyn Miller as they grieve Hope's passing. She was 33. It was unexpected. And it has jolted us. Tonight teens are gathered together remembering her - no doubt sharing great stories. Friends are taking meals and helping to plan her funeral celebration. It's all very surreal.<br /><br />As I was driving this evening I was thinking of my friend, Hannah. She's 16 months old and she does NOT like to be left - especially when she is left by someone to whom she is very attached like her Momma. When Ang (the Momma) leaves her in the nursery at church, she cries loud cries with big, watery tears. Her world is coming to an end. She can't see beyond her immediate pain. She doesn't remember that in an hour she will be reunited with her beloved Momma. Her comprehension just isn't there yet. <br /><br />So that made me think of us. We don't understand death. We don't like to be left. It causes the world as we know it to come to an end. We can't see beyond our pain. We struggle to remember that this life is NOT all there is and eventually we WILL all be reunited. Our comprehension just isn't there. The reality is there, though. Whether we can see it right now or not. We will be reunited. There will be a day when ALL is made right. And this life on earth will be a brief memory. With that reality of perfect reunion in the end and the reality of our pain flush against each other, we hope.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-86899080559334260462009-07-07T13:59:00.008-04:002009-07-12T10:10:45.356-04:00New Hope's Retreat at Camp Frederick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dIycggypA_VsYBMxeBqqvIakR1ZXT4mvx5mNaWlOVt1Z_DPbRMu1qPz8wKaRroykXX2GsU3VRl7IIJLLgq2Dg3iRVQIlqvnt1lmIEfCs2lgV4IifGDm1YpZ2Y5G7xenePoU8KHfLpcoN/s1600-h/jun15_33.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dIycggypA_VsYBMxeBqqvIakR1ZXT4mvx5mNaWlOVt1Z_DPbRMu1qPz8wKaRroykXX2GsU3VRl7IIJLLgq2Dg3iRVQIlqvnt1lmIEfCs2lgV4IifGDm1YpZ2Y5G7xenePoU8KHfLpcoN/s400/jun15_33.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355797929354233554" /></a><br />It's not too late to sign up for the All New Hope Retreat. The retreat will take place from Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 2. It will be a great opportunity for all ages of New Hopers. <br /><br />During that weekend, we'll have ONE COMBINED GATHERING on Sunday at 10.30am (no Saturday Gathering).<br /><br />Here is a message from the camp's Director, Tom Breitlow regarding the camp:<br /> <br />A slice of heaven amidst your average town where the spirit of God is felt and lives are changed. Each summer hundreds of people walk the trails, partake in the activities and learn about who they are. Camp Frederick has always been a place for people of all kinds to come and be treated equally, a place where the weak are strengthened, the selfish are humbled, the lost find direction. A place so comfortable that kids are lining up to come back year after year. In many cases, some kids come from troubled homes and count down the days to when they can get back to Camp Frederick where they know they are cared for and treated with love and affection. It is a place where youth groups come to strengthen their friendships and grow in their spiritual journey. It is a place free of judgment where each and every child is given a chance to shine their light and be who they truly are.<br /> <br />Camp Frederick is a place where God's beauty and wonder can be physically seen, visible in its surroundings. In the trees as the wind rushes through the leaves, in the creeks as the water flows effortlessly by, and most importantly, God's beauty is visible in the spirit of the staff. Over the past ten years, one word has defined the spirituality, the atmosphere, the experience, and the way people are treated at Camp Frederick. Namaste is a South Asian word originating in India. In its simplest definition, it means I see God in you. This, however, is what the word is all about:<br /> <br />Namaste<br />I honor the place in you in which God dwells<br />The place that is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace<br />When I am in that place in me, and you are in that place in you<br />We are one.<br /> <br />Namaste is used as a greeting in place of hello or goodbye as a constant reminder that we see God in each other. The Holy Spirit is one of the Holy Trinity as we understand God in our Lutheran tradition. Through our baptism we are given the Holy Spirit and recited during most Lutheran baptisms is this verse: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. With the holy spirit, we are called to let the light of God shine through us. Camp Frederick is a place where kids are given the opportunity to see God in themselves, in others, and in their surroundings. When the staff looks at each other they see God's hands at work and they treat their campers with an undying love and respect because they see God in each child.<br /> <br />Namaste is more than a greeting, it is a way of life. It is a way of seeing our world, seeing the people we encounter each and every day. According to the Lutheran tradition, the Holy Spirit works through all of us, connects us all through God, unites us as one.<br /> <br />I see the God in you, Namaste.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-42734734276189343272009-07-07T13:50:00.008-04:002009-07-07T13:59:05.516-04:00Baptism 28 June 2009Here are some photos of Erica Baun's baptism. <br /><br />I love the baptisms at New Hope! We celebrate the difference God has made in our lives by making us NEW in him. <br /><br />Erica's husband, Curt, was in the water with her.<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_h0bM7vpQcFG3wJl9caHP_Gk-lfshK7jwxO51EODtshi0Hb1Rg_wcflwjto67vLds78b2KAI48p1l7mNvEhvfXwIpe6ztW6eptt3nN_Buk5hzF0WvcySucrMxOZcT28qo_9y2807ffsL/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355778744872702962" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnjgv4oXnUceFRHtxvcqQ9fu3PiadGbHYek3Mns2y1TVKgBUDpPluj34xdHRH0K7UYmsMevXmS8zBRbgZbz7La8ftk4CWKhERuPmhmybCgdxvx-sXWHRT9cy7SqHYsljR-CeqOQgAMmV0/s1600-h/DSC_0009_edited-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnjgv4oXnUceFRHtxvcqQ9fu3PiadGbHYek3Mns2y1TVKgBUDpPluj34xdHRH0K7UYmsMevXmS8zBRbgZbz7La8ftk4CWKhERuPmhmybCgdxvx-sXWHRT9cy7SqHYsljR-CeqOQgAMmV0/s400/DSC_0009_edited-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355778672434971874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m4z8iwRUiDDwDM2KyrnlunHcdhgv7vwP0X0oxGI-QNajqxrPloN3jfiPci44IJDF_UZLBxDqsInkgS21741-8HC7OAvBAh7uMSk4K3hI7_23-jpp12iFbTtpJ9sh9TB5eawKQ1IcX5g6/s1600-h/DSC_0011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m4z8iwRUiDDwDM2KyrnlunHcdhgv7vwP0X0oxGI-QNajqxrPloN3jfiPci44IJDF_UZLBxDqsInkgS21741-8HC7OAvBAh7uMSk4K3hI7_23-jpp12iFbTtpJ9sh9TB5eawKQ1IcX5g6/s400/DSC_0011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355778606609243890" /></a>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-86282017589141579872009-07-06T09:10:00.004-04:002009-07-06T09:18:57.688-04:00News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Zmy5mkcFErma2rpGbGxfv5z35JEOgmrZNA5CCp82C6ronDVFchBk_Qva0a25PsN_j_wT58zV46K4SkxFjtVcIJ6tByj3UuU_rH8Ex95xeVhxPs58lJPM4y3LMowqhTZOqDdA-9bVzzid/s1600-h/090706-china-protests-hmed-1230a.hmedium.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Zmy5mkcFErma2rpGbGxfv5z35JEOgmrZNA5CCp82C6ronDVFchBk_Qva0a25PsN_j_wT58zV46K4SkxFjtVcIJ6tByj3UuU_rH8Ex95xeVhxPs58lJPM4y3LMowqhTZOqDdA-9bVzzid/s400/090706-china-protests-hmed-1230a.hmedium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355334734570970386" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This headline: Ethnic clashes kill 140, hurt 828 in China's west...<br /><br />was immediately followed up with this headline: Transformers,' 'Ice Age 3' tie for No 1.<br /><br />It struck me. At least the box office story didn't come first.<br /><br />Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in China.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-21562446488420279782009-07-05T16:10:00.003-04:002009-07-05T16:37:45.272-04:00Back to normal...kind ofWe got back from Canada yesterday. I have laundry to do, a fridge to clean out, clothes to put away, groceries to buy...I should be tackling the 'to do' list. It looms over me. I just can't seem to get out of my red chair. This is 'my chair.' It sits in my kitchen. It's been a good chair. I never thought of having a comfortable chair in the kitchen until this chair was displaced and I couldn't bring myself to part with it. This chair is home to me. It's where I sit to wake up in the morning. It's where I have my devotions. It's where I land when I arrive at home. It's where I pray. It's where I drink my coffee (hot & iced). It's where I fb. It's where I make lists. It's where I procrastinate. It's where I cry. It's where God often meets me. It's where I talk on the phone. It's where I read. I love my chair, just so you know:) Is that normal? Do most people have a 'place' they like to be? I guess it's probably pretty 'western' of me. If I lived in a place where comfortable chairs didn't exist, this would be a non-issue, right? Who knows? Random, I know...<br /><br />At New Hope today we began to talk about the Lord's Prayer. I don't know about you, but for me it was a breath of fresh air. We talked about the first few lines. <br /><br />"Our" says to me that God is not my pop machine. I don't just come to him and get MY needs met. "Our" includes all created things - the people I encountered at the rest stop yesterday - the beaver I watched all week at the lake. "Our"<br /><br />"Father" - daddy. As comfortable and safe as my red chair. "Father"<br /><br />"In the Heavens" - closer than my own breath, AWESOME, & in control. This Father is worthy of our dependance. "In the Heavens"<br /><br />"Hallowed be Thy name" - help my to hallow You, to bring honor to your name. Help me to follow the way of Jesus. To love when it is hard/impossible to love. "Hallowed by Thy name"<br /><br />What a privilege it is to dwell on these things.vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-11151462561733758532009-06-24T11:10:00.006-04:002009-06-24T11:18:11.545-04:00SonTreasure Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8IqmiAzkaz0UKoSEgNVhnWnCXem_38Q3V39gyH9S3eGLfkjh1Zyh7A4YdoAiTphaDUauKXtA5q0SqWo-igVUGldRN0iIRL6rxp_OHwt2oDE_Jt-cOtYh_qTCFXXx2DP4uVbFoPipnHlQ/s1600-h/Photo+240.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8IqmiAzkaz0UKoSEgNVhnWnCXem_38Q3V39gyH9S3eGLfkjh1Zyh7A4YdoAiTphaDUauKXtA5q0SqWo-igVUGldRN0iIRL6rxp_OHwt2oDE_Jt-cOtYh_qTCFXXx2DP4uVbFoPipnHlQ/s400/Photo+240.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350913179370204530" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are in the middle of New Hope's Neighborhood VBS in Boardman. It has been an AWESOME week so far. It's been great to get to know some of the neighborhood kids and their parents as well as see so many New Hope kids here.<br /><br />This is a photo of the mural the kids made themselves.<br /><br />They are having a blast. Be sure to check out Angela Austin's fb to see all the other photos.<br /><br />Thanks to all the volunteers that are making it such a huge success!vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-58651496274380549722009-05-31T19:21:00.013-04:002009-05-31T19:41:23.922-04:00Skyline Chili Celebration Game Night!We had a great time Friday night celebrating God's goodness together. Erica & Sue, thanks for the photos.<br /><br />I've had some requests for the recipes. If you made a dessert or side and would be willing to share, please just post it in the comments. Thanks!<br /><br />><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsTMZelXdiAeAYqbe4E1enXeheK4IoJoTHaIdNTMH0v3xyiARsZ4SbQ9Uz5GTMWLROzD5KpiJacr2yiBdYHwtsPXv0xuXN0TV2ocXJrFAVOvxlZzbh2hZhzANg3GAbyHbQkbOk9ezXo7J/s400/Pastor+Pauls+Survivering+Cancer+Party+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342136928902648082" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu0ziB7ubHo69_SBbyNyN_hvN2Q6wWIcu4xjD9F4WBgjAnaeAKf_9wexpvuceGYOyr3v7OMB1-w0HcSjYlJodiBV0ojoiZx8p-dJh8NffJRQPkKIvjhgbD1a6OjL2Brkby1Nm_v9MMO6w/s1600-h/IMG_1467.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu0ziB7ubHo69_SBbyNyN_hvN2Q6wWIcu4xjD9F4WBgjAnaeAKf_9wexpvuceGYOyr3v7OMB1-w0HcSjYlJodiBV0ojoiZx8p-dJh8NffJRQPkKIvjhgbD1a6OjL2Brkby1Nm_v9MMO6w/s400/IMG_1467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342135165788008626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLc4cNA5J9LBXjXutaQuHca4csqwYKLSTYv-B-Zp360xIm_hL63ULtDzp8FW0LpxGpN-aQA1DnqYrh1atr5cVcnPWlht30QmV-5Hwr9WHMjaSB_o5pQxWYDe3DhjdaFwCRHPhpEkhYAji/s1600-h/IMG_1465.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLc4cNA5J9LBXjXutaQuHca4csqwYKLSTYv-B-Zp360xIm_hL63ULtDzp8FW0LpxGpN-aQA1DnqYrh1atr5cVcnPWlht30QmV-5Hwr9WHMjaSB_o5pQxWYDe3DhjdaFwCRHPhpEkhYAji/s400/IMG_1465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342134940712779778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWmxFmAr2dRcpuYuV7rDZ9yLQQ90MhvZwT1XYQLOmzw5EHJuo1mSsETc-LYuayIEBc62xAbkQLcYNsrdXQp5mt0UWLWoLeNuovNLzWy7ZHmao399JNbVQAtPSTMNs8fMFsMCYDJ0Rx_Qn/s1600-h/IMG_1463.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWmxFmAr2dRcpuYuV7rDZ9yLQQ90MhvZwT1XYQLOmzw5EHJuo1mSsETc-LYuayIEBc62xAbkQLcYNsrdXQp5mt0UWLWoLeNuovNLzWy7ZHmao399JNbVQAtPSTMNs8fMFsMCYDJ0Rx_Qn/s400/IMG_1463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342134639463512418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfkU3wSbY2u18Qr2hQadP4PdhMTXzTwoKI1E3XdPsDf36ELJw5BmR5277OOfgtaK9Mvc3iT4EXSMuyaCNiFYtywENYV-M4UTDhRAPYiL8Oiyc4niJt2riWWssF4C2raC895fsKXBCcc3M/s1600-h/IMG_1466.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfkU3wSbY2u18Qr2hQadP4PdhMTXzTwoKI1E3XdPsDf36ELJw5BmR5277OOfgtaK9Mvc3iT4EXSMuyaCNiFYtywENYV-M4UTDhRAPYiL8Oiyc4niJt2riWWssF4C2raC895fsKXBCcc3M/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342134448130401874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoRYPWDfCSQdVStxC-2orbGDWHuBOKezMWrgXtz1J3ZObkNkcuC9bDC57FlMccIXzCkJBUhthEmoYf1csUkWGj66bYDVAqFaXUlfXtnpf92s9hrbgM-ZMFOlkidPHuhnu4KLhla17VxLp/s1600-h/IMG_1460.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoRYPWDfCSQdVStxC-2orbGDWHuBOKezMWrgXtz1J3ZObkNkcuC9bDC57FlMccIXzCkJBUhthEmoYf1csUkWGj66bYDVAqFaXUlfXtnpf92s9hrbgM-ZMFOlkidPHuhnu4KLhla17VxLp/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342134269482044338" /></a>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-2585284050353992722009-05-26T21:51:00.010-04:002009-05-27T11:36:25.049-04:00Randomness on the Church, the Cross, the Trinity...I want to move forward.<br /><br />I am tired of the consumer church of my youth. I am tired of clergy catering to what makes a congregation "feel" spiritual. I am coming to believe that oftentimes feeling spiritual has very little to do with actually being followers of Christ.<br /><br />Gone are the warm fuzzies of my earlier faith. I want to be involved in a movement that binds the wounds of the brokenhearted - a movement that helps people not only get back on their feet but helps them learn to run in the grace of God.<br /><br />I want to help lead a group of people who know they are broken. I want to humbly submit my own brokenness and allow God to use me as He sees fit and help others to do the same.<br /><br />I don't want to fear the working of the Holy Spirit, but I have no desire to perpetuate a spiritual experience as the end goal.<br /><br />I believe we are blessed to be a blessing. We are called to intentionality. By that I mean we are called to look for opportunities to extend grace and love - whether those opportunities arise in our neighboorhood, in our christian communities or in our own homes.<br /><br />Jesus paid the ultimate price for each one of us. His death - his choice to go to hell and back for us - gives us the freedom to live fully. His resurrection gives us power over death - and not just bodily death, but also power over those things in life that lead to death. We have power through Jesus to partcipate in fixing the brokenness and easing the suffering caused by sin. His ascension to the right hand of the Father established God's Kingdom here on earth. If we desire to further his Kingdom, we have the privilege and responsibility to look for where He is working in the pain, suffering, and brokenness and jump in as agents of grace.<br /><br />This decision to jump in means that we have to take on a Kingdom mindset. It is not appropriate for us to chase after the idols of our day. We are called to live with people who are deluded by worldly success, financial security, and the praise of men, BUT we are called to be separate in our identity. There is a better, truer way.<br /><br />Each & every one of us are in need. We all have empty spaces. I dream of a community where we come to focus on Jesus and allow Him to transform our hearts. We then go from that gathering, pick up the cross of Christ and become witnesses to the amazing difference his love and grace and truth have made.<br /><br />I love the view of the trinity as a beautiful dance. Father, Son, & Holy Spirit - all one and yet all distinct in their roles. I want to dance with friends among the trinity. I want to be so safe in my commuity that I am free to be me and free to let others be who they are.<br /><br />In the trinity there is no jockeying for position. They live and move and work as one. The goal is set and they dance in unity to move toward the goal.<br /><br />We have been blessed by the ultimate model of community. God creates, Jesus saves, the Holy Spirit guides. How fortunate we are to interact with them all.<br /><br />People ask me what goals I have for a community of faith. I do see things like lives being put back in order, hungry people fed, lonely people befriended, naked people clothed. I also see captives freed. I want to live the true life in such a way that the fragrance of Christ overwhelms. <br /><br />I don't want to bait and switch. I don't want to minimize the cost of Christ to "get people in." I want to pick up my cross daily - knowing that this life of emptying myself is the only way to live fully. And as the Holy Spirit brings people along, I want to be used as a tool to help navigate faith.<br /><br />It is a costly life, for sure. It often means going against what I want, what my needs are, and becoming a vessel to be used. But I see no other way. I have lived much of my life living only for me. And that life brings heartache, endless struggle, and depression in a downward spiral.<br /><br />So counter-intuitive, but so meaningful is my life when I am laying it down for others. I have found no greater joy or fulfillment than giving of my time and resources to someone who is in need.<br /><br />How do we foster that type of community? I'm not entirely sure. I think it begins with realizing the amazing gift of life we've been given in Christ. I think it also begins with laying down our individual comforts and agendas and collectively picking up Christ's agenda. It begins also with submitting our will to God's will and the the will of the community led by Him.<br /><br />I don't expect it to be a perfect process. I see the selfish parts in me that die hard. But I believe there is enough at stake to be willing to try. God has certainly put his faith in us. He is counting on us to step up to the challenge with humility and love. If He - who created us and knows us better than anyone - believes in us, then who are we to question?<br /><br />I would love to hear your thoughts? Do you believe consumerism is wrecking things? How do you think we can become all Christ created us to be? How do you picture the trinity?vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5170178624161953044.post-36568226466435367302009-05-19T20:20:00.001-04:002009-05-19T20:20:34.971-04:00What Would Happen if We Just Read the Book?Check out these video clips Bill Couchenour posted on the <a href="http://bethechangeproject.com/_blog/Be_the_Change_Project_Blog">Be The Change</a> website. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFTHxZx5VDs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFTHxZx5VDs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>vichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05573903603032717061noreply@blogger.com0