Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Blog
We are starting a "family blog" and don't plan on updating this one anymore. Please check out mahshiefamily.blogspot.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
March Newsletter
I love reading 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says: “...we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal”.
Recently I found myself meditating on an incredible true story I heard a few years ago. Sometime back in the late 1600’s there was an old farmer who spent most of his life working his fields. He lived in a society which, similar to our own, considered the people who worked as church clergy to be extremely devout individuals committed to “full-time” ministry. I assume the farmer probably considered his occupation to be less spiritually significant and, I assume, showed a great deal of respect towards the town pastor as he’d pass him walking down the street.
One day as the farmer went out to perform his daily routine, a young woman decided to rest on a rock down at a neighboring creek. At this time, the young woman resting was plagued with a tremendous amount of anxiety and sadness— to the point that she was contemplating suicide.
Now, although the farmer was probably unaware of her presence, it was his custom to sing hymns as he worked in his field. As the farmer passed by with his ox he, by happenchance, began singing a hymn which meant a great deal to this woman. The words from the hymn touched her to her core and is what she attributes led her up from that creek, abandoning her suicidal intentions.
Why do you think this might be a big deal? Well, it turns out this woman went on to give birth to two men named Charles and John Wesley. For those who aren’t familiar with the names off hand, just spend 2 minutes on Google and you’ll quickly see that these guys aren’t your average Joe. Both men had a tremendous impact on history and were partly responsible for a remarkable time period known as the Great Awakening.
My point is simply this; God’s children usually have no idea what He is using them for. We cannot and will not see his big picture until we enter into eternity because these things are UNSEEN. Think about it: this old man who went to his grave thinking he was a simple “peasant farmer” led a woman out of suicide because of his faithful obedience, which resulted in one of the most powerful evangelistic encounters known throughout church history. The craziest part about it is the fact that he never had a clue!
Nicole and I really enjoy watching a Tuesday night TV show on ABC called “What Would You Do”. For those of you who have never seen it, the show is pretty much summed up by its name. Each episode consists of about 4-5 staged scenarios designed to capture peoples reactions using hidden cameras. Some of their past scenarios have included: theft, hazing, and racial/gender/religious discrimination. To be honest, although I love the show, I have a difficult time watching it because I inevitably find myself getting emotional (a.k.a crying); which is sadly something I’ve been brained washed into being ashamed of. Recently there was an episode which really messed me up. The pretense behind this staged event was to have a man, dressed up as a rag-tagged homeless person, fall down into a heavily trafficked sidewalk while holding an empty beer can. The results, which were unfortunately predictable, were that people continued to walk right by the man, leaving him sprawled out in the middle of their walkway. Some of the passerby’s even looked down at him with disgust, presumably because of the inconvenience he was causing.
Yet, after about 80 people passed by, there was finally a hero who came to his rescue. Of all the people who could or should have stopped to help, the one who did was astonishing. A shabby looking, frail, elderly black lady hobbling up on a crutch immediately took action. As soon as she reached the man she began calling out for help, with a soft hoarse voice, to people walking by. She said over and over again, “excuse me, could you please call 911”. Then after about 20 minutes of failed attempts she decided to reach down, pick up, and throw away the empty beer can laying next to the man, realizing this might be a large reason people lacked sympathy and compassion.
Then finally, after another 30 or so people walked by a woman stopped to call 911. So here comes the really cool part! From there, after 911 has been called, she starts to say to the man, “Billy, hang in there, your gonna be alright”.
SHE GAVE HIM A NAME. She put a name onto the lowly lump of humanity laying on the side walk! Wow, at that point I just started weeping. Afterwards, when it was all over and exposed, the lady simply said, “he’ll be OK”, and then staggered off before answering any questions asked about her heroic response.
Life is very busy, to say the least. For those of you who have read any of our past newsletters you are probably aware of our struggles with finding employment and keeping above float. Well, if the clock was scheduled to ring at 12 O’clock, then it was 11:59 when things finally fell into place. John was recently hired at the Asheville Airport and a local J-crew factory. The jobs are intense, the hours are brutal and the pay is so-so, nevertheless it’s steady work and will give us the opportunity to pay off some debt before our baby girl arrives in May.
Nicole has continued to progress along with a healthy pregnancy and Anna Joy has been moving around a lot lately. We’re both extremely excited to meet her as the date inches closer and, thanks to our incredible parents, her room is almost ready.
Recently I found myself meditating on an incredible true story I heard a few years ago. Sometime back in the late 1600’s there was an old farmer who spent most of his life working his fields. He lived in a society which, similar to our own, considered the people who worked as church clergy to be extremely devout individuals committed to “full-time” ministry. I assume the farmer probably considered his occupation to be less spiritually significant and, I assume, showed a great deal of respect towards the town pastor as he’d pass him walking down the street.
One day as the farmer went out to perform his daily routine, a young woman decided to rest on a rock down at a neighboring creek. At this time, the young woman resting was plagued with a tremendous amount of anxiety and sadness— to the point that she was contemplating suicide.
Now, although the farmer was probably unaware of her presence, it was his custom to sing hymns as he worked in his field. As the farmer passed by with his ox he, by happenchance, began singing a hymn which meant a great deal to this woman. The words from the hymn touched her to her core and is what she attributes led her up from that creek, abandoning her suicidal intentions.
Why do you think this might be a big deal? Well, it turns out this woman went on to give birth to two men named Charles and John Wesley. For those who aren’t familiar with the names off hand, just spend 2 minutes on Google and you’ll quickly see that these guys aren’t your average Joe. Both men had a tremendous impact on history and were partly responsible for a remarkable time period known as the Great Awakening.
My point is simply this; God’s children usually have no idea what He is using them for. We cannot and will not see his big picture until we enter into eternity because these things are UNSEEN. Think about it: this old man who went to his grave thinking he was a simple “peasant farmer” led a woman out of suicide because of his faithful obedience, which resulted in one of the most powerful evangelistic encounters known throughout church history. The craziest part about it is the fact that he never had a clue!
Nicole and I really enjoy watching a Tuesday night TV show on ABC called “What Would You Do”. For those of you who have never seen it, the show is pretty much summed up by its name. Each episode consists of about 4-5 staged scenarios designed to capture peoples reactions using hidden cameras. Some of their past scenarios have included: theft, hazing, and racial/gender/religious discrimination. To be honest, although I love the show, I have a difficult time watching it because I inevitably find myself getting emotional (a.k.a crying); which is sadly something I’ve been brained washed into being ashamed of. Recently there was an episode which really messed me up. The pretense behind this staged event was to have a man, dressed up as a rag-tagged homeless person, fall down into a heavily trafficked sidewalk while holding an empty beer can. The results, which were unfortunately predictable, were that people continued to walk right by the man, leaving him sprawled out in the middle of their walkway. Some of the passerby’s even looked down at him with disgust, presumably because of the inconvenience he was causing.
Yet, after about 80 people passed by, there was finally a hero who came to his rescue. Of all the people who could or should have stopped to help, the one who did was astonishing. A shabby looking, frail, elderly black lady hobbling up on a crutch immediately took action. As soon as she reached the man she began calling out for help, with a soft hoarse voice, to people walking by. She said over and over again, “excuse me, could you please call 911”. Then after about 20 minutes of failed attempts she decided to reach down, pick up, and throw away the empty beer can laying next to the man, realizing this might be a large reason people lacked sympathy and compassion.
Then finally, after another 30 or so people walked by a woman stopped to call 911. So here comes the really cool part! From there, after 911 has been called, she starts to say to the man, “Billy, hang in there, your gonna be alright”.
SHE GAVE HIM A NAME. She put a name onto the lowly lump of humanity laying on the side walk! Wow, at that point I just started weeping. Afterwards, when it was all over and exposed, the lady simply said, “he’ll be OK”, and then staggered off before answering any questions asked about her heroic response.
Life is very busy, to say the least. For those of you who have read any of our past newsletters you are probably aware of our struggles with finding employment and keeping above float. Well, if the clock was scheduled to ring at 12 O’clock, then it was 11:59 when things finally fell into place. John was recently hired at the Asheville Airport and a local J-crew factory. The jobs are intense, the hours are brutal and the pay is so-so, nevertheless it’s steady work and will give us the opportunity to pay off some debt before our baby girl arrives in May.
Nicole has continued to progress along with a healthy pregnancy and Anna Joy has been moving around a lot lately. We’re both extremely excited to meet her as the date inches closer and, thanks to our incredible parents, her room is almost ready.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Feb 09 Newsletter
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. ” ~Henry David Thoreau
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Out here in the South it’s pretty common to drive down the road and get behind a car displaying some sort of religious sticker. Personally, I think it’s totally cool for people to express themselves anyway they choose, (remember, I do currently wear my hair in dreadlocks). Lately, one bumper sticker in particular has caused me to pause and reflect. Alongside of the typical chrome bling-bling Jesus fish and “My boss is a Jewish carpenter”, it’s almost inevitable to find a “God Bless America” sticker.
Although I think the phrase “God Bless America” is great, I can’t help but wonder if anyone has come across a bumper sticker displaying a message like: “God Bless the glue sniffing African orphan who is coping with the
death of his parents as a result of the AIDS virus”.
Of course one reason might be the fact that it would require an entire car bumper to fit! But seriously, why isn't it common place to see stickers asking God to bless poor third world countries?
My heart in saying this has nothing to do with critical judgment. I’m simply examining the motive behind this everyday catchphrase. I pause and wonder why it is so difficult at times to actually acknowledge the needs of others? It may be easy enough to throw some money towards a charity in a performance based religious sort of way; but how often do we respond to the hurting people we encounter in our everyday pilgrimage with a genuine heart of unconditional love?
I have to admit, it might seem pretty strange if someone stood up after getting an Oscar and said “God bless our drug addicts and prostitutes”; however, isn’t it true that they need Gods blessing as well? Or how about this crazy concept: try praying for God to bless the incarcerated man convicted of a sex crime. I don't say this jokingly but as a real challenge. Try it and see how it doesn't flow very naturally, and then ask the question “WHY”.
To be honest, married life hasn’t turned out to be very close to what either one of us imagined. Although we diligently sought out good pre-marital preparation, we could not have imagined the surprises we encountered during the course of this first year. Unlike the dreamy fairytale we anticipated, this season of life has been extremely challenging—to say the least. This, however, isn’t much of a shock for the majority of married couples we’ve talked to. In the midst of appliances and vehicles breaking, job hunting and learning to work through difficult circumstances together—we are overwhelmed with to-dos as the due date for our baby inches closer. This place is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. In the past, it seems, some refreshing drink of water was provided just when dehydration was setting in. Now it feels as though we’ve been wandering in the desert, and are beginning to stagger in delirium.
Despite all these trials, great joy is coming soon; after months of not knowing, we recently found out we’re going to be having a baby girl! We’ve picked out the name Anna Joy and are anxiously awaiting her arrival. One neat thing about the name we picked is the Arabic translation of the word Anna. It means “I am”, so every time we call her name we are actually saying ‘I am Joy’. To actually realize there’s a little baby girl growing in Nicole’s belly is extremely surreal. It’s amazing to just sit back and watch her press out and move around in there. The due date is May 8th and we’ve been under a lot of pressure to get the baby room ready and many other preparations.
Despite all these trials, great joy is on the horizon; after months of not knowing, we recently found out we’re going to be having a baby girl! To actually realize there’s a little baby girl growing in Nicole’s belly is extremely surreal. We’ve picked out the name Anna Joy and are anxiously awaiting her arrival. One neat thing about the name we picked is the Arabic translation of the word Anna. It means “I am”, so every time we call her name we are literally saying ‘I am Joy’.
It’s amazing to just sit back and watch her move around. The due date is May 8th and we’ve been under a lot of pressure to finish up all the necessary preparations such as making the house child safe and getting her room ready.
In the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 14 part 3, it says “Saving faith has different degrees of strength and weakness. It may be attacked and weakened often and in many ways, but it gets the victory. In many believers it matures and become completely assured through Christ, who both creates and perfects our faith.”
One thing I try and continually remind myself is something a good friend once told me: “life shouldn’t be examined as a Polaroid snapshot but as video footage.” Inevitably there will come days of extremely difficult and relentless circumstances. Seasons of the refiners fire, or as King Solomon put it: a season and a time for every matter under the sun. A time to break down, weep, lose, mourn, tear, cast away, pluck up and even die.
However, I am becoming more and more convinced that the eternal significance and value of our life has very little to do with these types of circumstances. I find my craving for comfort and security subsiding and being replaced with something much more beautiful, yet much more risky.
Discovering your heart’s passions and desires doesn’t come without a cost. They are found in the very fiber of our being, yet they are often continually attacked and discouraged. Most people have loud megaphones screaming messages opposing any attempt to this discovery. They hear lies such as, “this is stupid”, “you’ll never make it” or “this is a waste of time.” This tragedy is what drives me to encourage others towards experiencing their own heart’s passions.
I love the trust and faith as the Psalmist displayed when he said “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” I long to walk courageously knowing that no matter what it looks like, the Lord is by my side; to know and believe that my Daddy loves me and then be free to go after the things I’ve been crafted and created for.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Out here in the South it’s pretty common to drive down the road and get behind a car displaying some sort of religious sticker. Personally, I think it’s totally cool for people to express themselves anyway they choose, (remember, I do currently wear my hair in dreadlocks). Lately, one bumper sticker in particular has caused me to pause and reflect. Alongside of the typical chrome bling-bling Jesus fish and “My boss is a Jewish carpenter”, it’s almost inevitable to find a “God Bless America” sticker.
Although I think the phrase “God Bless America” is great, I can’t help but wonder if anyone has come across a bumper sticker displaying a message like: “God Bless the glue sniffing African orphan who is coping with the
death of his parents as a result of the AIDS virus”.
Of course one reason might be the fact that it would require an entire car bumper to fit! But seriously, why isn't it common place to see stickers asking God to bless poor third world countries?
My heart in saying this has nothing to do with critical judgment. I’m simply examining the motive behind this everyday catchphrase. I pause and wonder why it is so difficult at times to actually acknowledge the needs of others? It may be easy enough to throw some money towards a charity in a performance based religious sort of way; but how often do we respond to the hurting people we encounter in our everyday pilgrimage with a genuine heart of unconditional love?
I have to admit, it might seem pretty strange if someone stood up after getting an Oscar and said “God bless our drug addicts and prostitutes”; however, isn’t it true that they need Gods blessing as well? Or how about this crazy concept: try praying for God to bless the incarcerated man convicted of a sex crime. I don't say this jokingly but as a real challenge. Try it and see how it doesn't flow very naturally, and then ask the question “WHY”.
To be honest, married life hasn’t turned out to be very close to what either one of us imagined. Although we diligently sought out good pre-marital preparation, we could not have imagined the surprises we encountered during the course of this first year. Unlike the dreamy fairytale we anticipated, this season of life has been extremely challenging—to say the least. This, however, isn’t much of a shock for the majority of married couples we’ve talked to. In the midst of appliances and vehicles breaking, job hunting and learning to work through difficult circumstances together—we are overwhelmed with to-dos as the due date for our baby inches closer. This place is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. In the past, it seems, some refreshing drink of water was provided just when dehydration was setting in. Now it feels as though we’ve been wandering in the desert, and are beginning to stagger in delirium.
Despite all these trials, great joy is coming soon; after months of not knowing, we recently found out we’re going to be having a baby girl! We’ve picked out the name Anna Joy and are anxiously awaiting her arrival. One neat thing about the name we picked is the Arabic translation of the word Anna. It means “I am”, so every time we call her name we are actually saying ‘I am Joy’. To actually realize there’s a little baby girl growing in Nicole’s belly is extremely surreal. It’s amazing to just sit back and watch her press out and move around in there. The due date is May 8th and we’ve been under a lot of pressure to get the baby room ready and many other preparations.
Despite all these trials, great joy is on the horizon; after months of not knowing, we recently found out we’re going to be having a baby girl! To actually realize there’s a little baby girl growing in Nicole’s belly is extremely surreal. We’ve picked out the name Anna Joy and are anxiously awaiting her arrival. One neat thing about the name we picked is the Arabic translation of the word Anna. It means “I am”, so every time we call her name we are literally saying ‘I am Joy’.
It’s amazing to just sit back and watch her move around. The due date is May 8th and we’ve been under a lot of pressure to finish up all the necessary preparations such as making the house child safe and getting her room ready.
In the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 14 part 3, it says “Saving faith has different degrees of strength and weakness. It may be attacked and weakened often and in many ways, but it gets the victory. In many believers it matures and become completely assured through Christ, who both creates and perfects our faith.”
One thing I try and continually remind myself is something a good friend once told me: “life shouldn’t be examined as a Polaroid snapshot but as video footage.” Inevitably there will come days of extremely difficult and relentless circumstances. Seasons of the refiners fire, or as King Solomon put it: a season and a time for every matter under the sun. A time to break down, weep, lose, mourn, tear, cast away, pluck up and even die.
However, I am becoming more and more convinced that the eternal significance and value of our life has very little to do with these types of circumstances. I find my craving for comfort and security subsiding and being replaced with something much more beautiful, yet much more risky.
Discovering your heart’s passions and desires doesn’t come without a cost. They are found in the very fiber of our being, yet they are often continually attacked and discouraged. Most people have loud megaphones screaming messages opposing any attempt to this discovery. They hear lies such as, “this is stupid”, “you’ll never make it” or “this is a waste of time.” This tragedy is what drives me to encourage others towards experiencing their own heart’s passions.
I love the trust and faith as the Psalmist displayed when he said “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” I long to walk courageously knowing that no matter what it looks like, the Lord is by my side; to know and believe that my Daddy loves me and then be free to go after the things I’ve been crafted and created for.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hope for the hopeless
Hope just might be the most frequently used word these days. It can be found in a vast majority of news headlines and overheard during many everyday coffee house conversations. It is even used in ways which make the most skeptical and pessimistic individual raise an eye brow in wonder. Hope for justice. Hope for peace. Hope for prosperity. Hope for everything…
In the center, amidst an abundance of idealistic anticipation lays the newest addition of the American legacy, President Barak Obama. Although most would agree he is made of mere flesh and blood, many would be hard-pressed to end their description there. Lets just say this man is not your everyday Joe. In the opinion of many, President Obama is the long awaited savoir of sorts and is viewed as the cure for our countries dire circumstances.
However, without coming across as cynical or critical of this “hope”, I can’t help but wonder what people will do if our new President falls through. Many American citizens, hopeful as they are, expect some very specific results from this man, in a fairly short timeframe. My question is, what happens if he is unable to provide these promises we’ve so anxiously awaited? What then?
Psalm 146 3-10:
“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”
My goal in writing this is not to demean anyone who is excited about our upcoming President, because I am also optimistic. On the other hand, I believe it’s very important for believers to consistently remind ourselves that we truly have a reliable source for hope. One that cannot be diminished or enhanced but is the cornerstone of our faith.
We should always keep in mind the words of the Apostle Paul when he said: “what seen is temporal but what is unseen is eternal.” Men are always subject to a higher authority, and it is this authority which is worthy of our trust and hope.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monthly Newsletter
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman
One of the most important questions a person can ask is “how do I become alive.” What does it mean when a person discovers a passion or finds “that which gives them life”? The sad truth is most of the people I run into on a day to day basis simply don’t know this answer. I usually get the look of a deer caught in headlights or a response like “I’m not really sure”. Now they’ll have a large amount of tasks which they’re involved in, and could run off a long list of things they’ve accomplished on a day to day basis, however, it is a rarity to meet the person who actually knows what their heart passions are. Those things which they feel destined to do. How can this be?!? One of the most important questions a person could possibly ask goes unanswered.
So here’s the thing… After a lot of consideration I’ve recently come to the conclusion that becoming passionate about things which bring us pleasure can be a very scary ordeal. It should be really easy and organic, however it can also be petrifying. I mean think about it, this is the authentic me were talking about. Sure it would be easy if your “passion” was the cool or popular thing to do, but what if it’s horseback riding or making cloths? Or how about making hip-hop sermons to give out for free to a bunch of random people who might think it’s garbage?
I like to introduce and explain the concept of “Sermon Jams” by saying it’s a combination of mixing a typical Sunday sermon onto a modern hip-hop instrumental. They’re intended to reach both believers and non-believers, can be used as an edification tool as well as biblical substance for individuals who normally wouldn’t be interested in coming into a church to hear a mono-toned 45 minute church sermon.
"But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" Romans 10:14
The original intent for the Sermon Jams ministry was to extract the essence of a particular sermon topic, in context, and layer it onto an appropriate instrumental of emotional similarity. Thus, creating an audio medium designed to deliver orthodox Christian fundamentals in a pragmatic yet biblical format. In the words of a fans email, “each sermon is so much more memorable and it intensifies the speaker’s words”. The idea for the title and brand, Relevant Revolution, was created from the desire to broaden the spectrum of the ministry from being pigeonholed into solely Sermon Jams. Our primary goal was to allow room to branch into a variety of artistic mediums and ministries.
Project Palestine was the first to be birthed from this passion and consist of a hodgepodge of ideas ranging from Arabic bible readings put to beat, to missionary connections in the Palestinian regions of the West Bank and Gaza strip. Another goal was to establish a section which could host music from underground Christian artist who share a similar theme and heartbeat. The result has been the creation of a website which allows any individual to login and download thousands of hours of biblically edifying Christian audio.
The Sermon Jams take roughly five hours to produce one track and we have produced seven nine track albums to date. We have also tried to scour the web for tracks created by individuals who share our vision and passion. Since the initial publication of Sermon Jams, 14,000 CD’s have been produced and freely distributed which lead to a rapid growth, via online downloads. Each CD costs roughly $1.00 and we believe there is something special about handing a person a free CD.
From the very beginning we have felt called to serve in this ministry with the philosophy to freely give and freely receive. This is the reason why we have never charged for any of our resources or pushed the issue of financial support, however, the time and energy it takes to run the site, create the mixes, and respond to important e-mails has become impossible to keep up. Because of this we have begun inviting people to partner with us to help offset some of our expenses. If you feel lead, please stop by our website and check out the “Support” section .
For the people who are unaware who “we” are let us start off by introducing ourselves. This ministry is the personal outpouring of a married couple, John and Nicole, connected with a local church in Asheville, NC called “the body of Christ Asheville”. We have had an amazing journey since our wonderful wedding on 06/07/08 and have been on roller coaster ride beyond what either of us ever fathomed.
Since moving into our 1920’s cabin we discovered water damage which created a thick layer of black mold throughout the entire hallway, bathroom and kitchen. This extremely difficult remodeling undertaking lasted until late September, but as a result of amazing friends and an incredible amount of divine provision, we’ve moved back in and have begun making our house a home!
Another wild adventure we’ve been on is a magic word called pregnancy. Nicole is almost half way through but the due date of May still seems really far away. The baby has begun to move around quite a lot and we are excited to find out whether “it” is a boy or girl!
John had previously earned money creating ceramic arts and designing websites, however, both of these occupations have become hard to make enough income. He is currently job hunting- please pray for him in this area because it has become a difficult and disappointing experience for him.
Through all of these trials and tribulations we consistently long for the faith to trust in scriptures promise and commission to “seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (John 6:33) and to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Awesome Quote
To be truly challenging, a voyage, like life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen, who play with their boats at sea - “cruising” it is called. Voyaging belongs to sailors, and to wanderers of the world who can not fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.
“I’ve always wanted to sail the South Seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is NOT to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of “security.” And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone.
What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat, shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all - in the material sense. And we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade.
The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it the tomb is sealed.
Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?
- Sterling Hayden
This choice is always before us. The Lord beckons us to great adventure. Everyone's adventure looks different, but no adventure comes with security. There is always risk. However, in the beautiful Kingdom of the Father, we have the promise of his never-ending love. We are free to step into all that he has for us; all that he dreams for us.
We long to be free! This is probably the greatest longing of our hearts.
THERE IS MORE.
Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole
Sermon Jams & Relevant Revolution
Almost home!
"When are you going to be able to move back in?"
SOON!
Progress at the Cabin has been amazing. We should be able to move back in within the week. We have some last minute details to finish up, and we have a lot of cleaning to do. Other than that, though, we have nothing prohibiting us from being back home. We are so relieved to be at the end of this project. Our next to do for the cabin will be to build a deck. Some fellas from the Body will hopefully be coming to help us knock that out.
Pray for us as we figure out what to focus on next now that we don't have to focus on our house. Pray for the Lord to continue to provide us as we work and seek him.
Nicole is going to the midwives office today. We might be able to post a video of the baby's heartbeat!
Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole
SOON!
Progress at the Cabin has been amazing. We should be able to move back in within the week. We have some last minute details to finish up, and we have a lot of cleaning to do. Other than that, though, we have nothing prohibiting us from being back home. We are so relieved to be at the end of this project. Our next to do for the cabin will be to build a deck. Some fellas from the Body will hopefully be coming to help us knock that out.
Pray for us as we figure out what to focus on next now that we don't have to focus on our house. Pray for the Lord to continue to provide us as we work and seek him.
Nicole is going to the midwives office today. We might be able to post a video of the baby's heartbeat!
Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole
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