This morning I woke up to the sound of the waves beating the sand, a man playing a game with a dog, laughing children, excessive honking, all kinds of birds, crickets, a fighting couple, thatching of wheat, the smell of coffee and french toast, scuffling feet heading to school. I sit up and it hits me...
Is this is reality?
Is this true?
Is this AFRICA?
Flash back two years ago to February 2009. My face squinted with cold fear as I scurried out the door, stuffing a scone down my face in Portland, Oregon. All the while praying my burning little legs would work fast enough to haul me to class on time. When I say “on time,” I literally mean on time. One minute late and I would be docked down a whole grade.
Is this beneficial?
Is this what I’m supposed to be doing?
Is this going to be helpful for my future?
Fast forward to February 2011, as I ride, once again for the first time into an oddly familiar scene. An orphanage in Liberia, West Africa. I’m surrounded by little hands touching my “fine fine hair,” and smiling at my stupid flower tattoo. I think how blessed I am that I am actually here and try to hold back tears! I cannot believe how amazing life is. I have the opportunity to hang out with children, invest in orphan directors lives and to work with some of the best people in the world.
PLEASE don’t get me wrong. This is not going to be easy. I ask daily for God to reveal more truths about His great kingdom plan for Liberia and the kids. I expect the days of inconvenience, lots of spiritual buffing, and unexpected situations. Tons of thoughts and often some insecurities too, are running through my head like a whirlwind...
Will I do a good job?
Will I be able to make a difference Lord for you?
Will I glorify You with all I have in my time here?
As I am embarking on this journey for the next months, I would have to say I’m ready as I’ll ever be. I’m completely sold out for whatever God has, and honestly hoping for the wisdom of His love to teach me more than I have ever known.
The point I’m making is this: SEVERAL times in life we find ourselves in places we have no control over and we may never know the answer to our “whys” in our physical life on earth. We might find ourself in school, working in the U.S., saving the dying in hospice centers, playing music in a bar, gardening, serving at a restaurant, staying at home with the kids, cooking in the kitchen etc...
When we find ourselves moving to other continents, or staying home, remember time moves quickly. Your questions are humanly valid in ever sense of the "question," and God knows your heart. He is faithful to allow ambiguity in them and always answers, just not in the way we want them or expect them. In all circumstances God is faithful. I may never really “KNOW, KNOW,” the answer these questions... But, it doesn’t matter. God knows the heart. So, next time you find yourself questioning a lot, Stop. Think about those questions through the lens of Christ’s love for you and creation.
No matter where you are, what you’re doing, do it all for His glory and the questions grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and praise. Give them to Him, and that makes all the difference. :)
Your questions are valid. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. - 1 Cor 1:9
Excuse me while I go listen to "Blessed Be Your Name..."
Until The Next Question...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Are You Conquering Your "Giant-Horses" ??
I grew up in a small area in the south. The town consisted of full-time hicks, trucks, one blinking red light, the local diner and scattered oil-wells. I was always afraid of the oil-wells. I was sure they were giant horses that wanted to eat me. I was extremely frightened of getting anywhere near their radius. My stomach fed my veins with butterflies as the fear consumed my cells. As I grew a little older, I realized, I had to conquer my fear of the “giant-horse”. I did this with my dreamer’s glare. My eyes would kill them. Through the window I would pierce my gaze into their crooked, evil arthritic necks. If I did this long enough, they would become so afraid that they had no choice but to suck up every last drop of oil out of the ground and die a death of exhaustion. Little did I know, that if my evil tactic actually worked, I would royally have screwed over the entire small economy where I lived. If my superpowers rang true, I would force farmers and their families in poverty!
To be brutally honest, as an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic views are. Forgive me for my attitude. (Truly wasn't that bad)... Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. (Sorry i digress...) One thing this big sarcastic imagination of mine did help with, is my perception of fear in my own life. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.
Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?
If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?
To be brutally honest, as an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic views are. Forgive me for my attitude. (Truly wasn't that bad)... Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. (Sorry i digress...) One thing this big sarcastic imagination of mine did help with, is my perception of fear in my own life. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.
Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?
If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?
Is Your Fear Killing Your True Reality?
I grew up in a small area in the south. The town consisted of full-time hicks, trucks, one blinking red light, the local diner and scattered oil-wells. I was always afraid of the oil-wells. I was sure they were giant horses that wanted to eat me. I was extremely frightened of getting anywhere near their radius. My stomach fed my veins with butterflies as the fear consumed my cells. As I grew a little older, I realized, I had to conquer my fear of the “giant-horse”. I did this with my dreamer’s glare. My eyes would kill them. Through the window I would pierce my gaze into their crooked, evil arthritic necks. If I did this long enough, they would become so afraid that they had no choice but to suck up every last drop of oil out of the ground and die a death of exhaustion. Little did I know, that if my evil tactic actually worked, I would royally have screwed over the entire small economy where I lived. If my superpowers rang true, I would force farmers and their families in poverty!
As an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic pigs were. Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. One thing this imagination did help me with, is the allegory of fear. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.
Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?
If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?
As an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic pigs were. Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. One thing this imagination did help me with, is the allegory of fear. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.
Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?
If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
If you want you will suffer, if you love you will grieve.
I had a lot of time to wait, sit and think over the Christmas holidays. Truly, life is all about the waiting. I found myself in places I didn't choose. Situations out of my control. Freeing? Yes. The nursing home, the hospital, in the car etc... Often, I was helping sign papers for my aunt who has chosen a life of depression and lost the will-to-live. I became friends with the nurses and had an enjoyable experience. Still, it was sad that a person can choose a life of isolation by consistently shutting people out over time, to the point of a hospital bed. In life, we choose our course depending on how we view Christ's love for us and how we define true freedom. She is now choosing a life of bondage and entitlement, not a life of gratitude.
I am tired of seeing people not become fully themselves. As humans we are constantly surrounded by people suffering and in grief. I am bombarded with people around me who are checking into hospitals, blaming others and surrounding themselves with people who are completely self-centered. People not taking 100% responsibility for their own decisions, and feeling entitled to everything. When we are let down, we want to blame someone else. Playing the victim, again. What happens? Confusion. The exact thing God is asking us to FLEE from, and the only thing the devil wants to feed! We are always giving less than our best because of the confusion we feed. Often played out in the physical form of laundry lists, grocery lists, video games, drugs, stress, music and more. It's our "just give me something to do," mentality. "Give me anything to take away these voices." Then, it occurred to me, THE LONGER MY LIST, THE LESS MY TRUST IN GOD." It's hard to just sit and be isn't it? It's hard to just be loved sometimes? To believe that when we grieve, Jesus did too...
"God sent Jesus to join the human experience, which means to make a lot of mistakes. Jesus didn't arrive here knowing how to walk. He had fingers and toes, confusion, sexual feelings, crazy human internal processes. He had the same prejudices as the rest of his tribe: he had to learn that the Canaanite woman was a person. He had to suffer the hardships and tedium and setbacks of being a regular person. If he hadn't the incarnation would mean nothing."
Do you believe that Jesus came to join with us? Do you believe he came and experienced grief, sitting, waiting, thinking, reading, writing, feeling, eating, throw-up, cried, sneezed, stumbled, told jokes and laughed? Do you also believe He came to give life, true freedom and genuine love? Do you believe He suffered with us in our weakness? So much so, that we don't have to blame others? Do you believe He wants so badly your heart that he suffered? Do you believe he loves so deeply, He grieves still? The more we believe in this power... the more we are free, and grateful to be truly ourselves in Him.
"You were loved because God loves, period. God loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and His or Her child. God loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. God loves you crazily, like I love you...like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need."
I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I'm in a nursing home at a young age, blaming others. The secret to freedom and truly living in Christ is a heart of gratefulness. Out of a heart of gratitude flows the joy of life.
To steal from Anne Lamott, "Gratitude, not understanding, it's the secret to joy and equanimity".
What kind of Jesus do you believe in today? A Jesus who hears and suffers still with us, that nothing else matters? Do you believe in a Jesus of grace, grace, grace? Or, do you believe in a Jesus who demands rules, regulations and bondage? Who demands a checklist and a certain way to do things? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What choices are leading you to live a full life of love for others and complete joy in today? What choices are you making towards community, life and freedom? When your life is over, can you honestly say you were free? Be IN-COURAGED!!
I am tired of seeing people not become fully themselves. As humans we are constantly surrounded by people suffering and in grief. I am bombarded with people around me who are checking into hospitals, blaming others and surrounding themselves with people who are completely self-centered. People not taking 100% responsibility for their own decisions, and feeling entitled to everything. When we are let down, we want to blame someone else. Playing the victim, again. What happens? Confusion. The exact thing God is asking us to FLEE from, and the only thing the devil wants to feed! We are always giving less than our best because of the confusion we feed. Often played out in the physical form of laundry lists, grocery lists, video games, drugs, stress, music and more. It's our "just give me something to do," mentality. "Give me anything to take away these voices." Then, it occurred to me, THE LONGER MY LIST, THE LESS MY TRUST IN GOD." It's hard to just sit and be isn't it? It's hard to just be loved sometimes? To believe that when we grieve, Jesus did too...
"God sent Jesus to join the human experience, which means to make a lot of mistakes. Jesus didn't arrive here knowing how to walk. He had fingers and toes, confusion, sexual feelings, crazy human internal processes. He had the same prejudices as the rest of his tribe: he had to learn that the Canaanite woman was a person. He had to suffer the hardships and tedium and setbacks of being a regular person. If he hadn't the incarnation would mean nothing."
Do you believe that Jesus came to join with us? Do you believe he came and experienced grief, sitting, waiting, thinking, reading, writing, feeling, eating, throw-up, cried, sneezed, stumbled, told jokes and laughed? Do you also believe He came to give life, true freedom and genuine love? Do you believe He suffered with us in our weakness? So much so, that we don't have to blame others? Do you believe He wants so badly your heart that he suffered? Do you believe he loves so deeply, He grieves still? The more we believe in this power... the more we are free, and grateful to be truly ourselves in Him.
"You were loved because God loves, period. God loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and His or Her child. God loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. God loves you crazily, like I love you...like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need."
I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I'm in a nursing home at a young age, blaming others. The secret to freedom and truly living in Christ is a heart of gratefulness. Out of a heart of gratitude flows the joy of life.
To steal from Anne Lamott, "Gratitude, not understanding, it's the secret to joy and equanimity".
What kind of Jesus do you believe in today? A Jesus who hears and suffers still with us, that nothing else matters? Do you believe in a Jesus of grace, grace, grace? Or, do you believe in a Jesus who demands rules, regulations and bondage? Who demands a checklist and a certain way to do things? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What choices are leading you to live a full life of love for others and complete joy in today? What choices are you making towards community, life and freedom? When your life is over, can you honestly say you were free? Be IN-COURAGED!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Reminder.
1st Peter 5:9
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
“Keep my heart's eyes on Christ today, and everything else will be ok.” Or,
“Keep my eyes on Christ, and everything else will be alright.”
This has been my life-theme these past few months. My mantra, if you will. For clarity, allow me to define ‘ok’ in this slogan. Yes, I’m fully aware that a life with Christ is ‘excellent.’ The ‘ok’ is not referring to God’s view of what He wants our lives, but rather our utter reliance on Christ. View it in the attitude of ‘no worries, anxieties or fears.’ Yes, I know God’s highest. ‘Ok' in this sense means… we will make through the day, and Yes it will be amazing. I have so many tasks, responsibilities, multitasking and constant stimulation, that I have no choice but to repeat myself this truth; daily. I hope you will choose this also. So, hang on kids and follow me for a moment…
This quote is the declaration I have made as my allegorical daily banner. I choose to walk with Him on a daily basis. It is my wake-up call, (and I must say...it is a lot sweeter than Folgers). Is it easy to follow? Paradoxically, yes and no. Jesus said it would not be easy, therefore I don't expect, it in this world. However, when our eyes are solely on Him, it's a constant vacation of the soul and a surprising adventure. Without this daily reminder that I am still in the process of transformation, I would mess it all up. How lovely it is to let go, and know I am not in control! In many ways it is easier to stay the same, yet, a growing sense that God is breathing life into me that is both beautiful and terrifying.
"In the spiritual journey we also face moments of temptation to return to the land of our slavery. It's safe, secure, and known. Where God is taking us is risky and unknown and requires deeper trust, courage and greater maturity No matter the nature of our awakening--feminine or masculine--each of us faces aspects of our human condition from which we long to be free. Perhaps the bondage is an addiction or a self-perception, an attitude or a posture. Whatever the shade of our personal slavery, longing forces us to actively wait, thereby keeping us anchored in the journey toward freedom...This kind of longing keep us submitted to the transformational work of God in us."
No matter how much we know or think we know about God, our journey towards humility will never end. Our ‘heart’s eye’ must constantly be reminded that in all things we must glorify Him. May we be reminded to keep our eyes at a constant focus of love for God. Our journey towards humility will never end, until the day we see Him. I pray that we will pray for humble eyes for Christ
Blessings in the waiting period friends! It's an exciting journey towards an integrated life of freedom. Exciting? Let me hear amen.
Always,
Davy Desmond
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
“Keep my heart's eyes on Christ today, and everything else will be ok.” Or,
“Keep my eyes on Christ, and everything else will be alright.”
This has been my life-theme these past few months. My mantra, if you will. For clarity, allow me to define ‘ok’ in this slogan. Yes, I’m fully aware that a life with Christ is ‘excellent.’ The ‘ok’ is not referring to God’s view of what He wants our lives, but rather our utter reliance on Christ. View it in the attitude of ‘no worries, anxieties or fears.’ Yes, I know God’s highest. ‘Ok' in this sense means… we will make through the day, and Yes it will be amazing. I have so many tasks, responsibilities, multitasking and constant stimulation, that I have no choice but to repeat myself this truth; daily. I hope you will choose this also. So, hang on kids and follow me for a moment…
This quote is the declaration I have made as my allegorical daily banner. I choose to walk with Him on a daily basis. It is my wake-up call, (and I must say...it is a lot sweeter than Folgers). Is it easy to follow? Paradoxically, yes and no. Jesus said it would not be easy, therefore I don't expect, it in this world. However, when our eyes are solely on Him, it's a constant vacation of the soul and a surprising adventure. Without this daily reminder that I am still in the process of transformation, I would mess it all up. How lovely it is to let go, and know I am not in control! In many ways it is easier to stay the same, yet, a growing sense that God is breathing life into me that is both beautiful and terrifying.
"In the spiritual journey we also face moments of temptation to return to the land of our slavery. It's safe, secure, and known. Where God is taking us is risky and unknown and requires deeper trust, courage and greater maturity No matter the nature of our awakening--feminine or masculine--each of us faces aspects of our human condition from which we long to be free. Perhaps the bondage is an addiction or a self-perception, an attitude or a posture. Whatever the shade of our personal slavery, longing forces us to actively wait, thereby keeping us anchored in the journey toward freedom...This kind of longing keep us submitted to the transformational work of God in us."
No matter how much we know or think we know about God, our journey towards humility will never end. Our ‘heart’s eye’ must constantly be reminded that in all things we must glorify Him. May we be reminded to keep our eyes at a constant focus of love for God. Our journey towards humility will never end, until the day we see Him. I pray that we will pray for humble eyes for Christ
Blessings in the waiting period friends! It's an exciting journey towards an integrated life of freedom. Exciting? Let me hear amen.
Always,
Davy Desmond
If you want, you will suffer; if you love, you will grieve.
I had a lot of time to wait, sit and think over the Christmas holidays. Truly, life is all about the waiting. I found myself in places I didn't choose. Situations out of my control. Freeing? Yes. The nursing home, the hospital, in the car etc... Often, I was helping sign papers for my aunt who has chosen a life of depression and lost the will-to-live. I became friends with the nurses and had an enjoyable experience. Still, it was sad that a person can choose a life of isolation by consistently shutting people out over time, to the point of a hospital bed. In life, we choose our course depending on how we view Christ's love for us and how we define true freedom. She is now choosing a life of bondage and entitlement, not a life of gratitude.
I am tired of seeing people not become fully themselves. As humans we are constantly surrounded by people suffering and in grief. I am bombarded with people around me who are checking into hospitals, blaming others and surrounding themselves with people who are completely self-centered. People not taking 100% responsibility for their own decisions, and feeling entitled to everything. When we are let down, we want to blame someone else. Playing the victim, again. What happens? Confusion. The exact thing God is asking us to FLEE from, and the only thing the devil wants to feed! We are always giving less than our best because of the confusion we feed. Often played out in the physical form of laundry lists, grocery lists, video games, drugs, stress, music and more. It's our "just give me something to do," mentality. "Give me anything to take away these voices." Then, it occurred to me, THE LONGER MY LIST, THE LESS MY TRUST IN GOD." It's hard to just sit and be isn't it? It's hard to just be loved sometimes? To believe that when we grieve, Jesus did too...
"God sent Jesus to join the human experience, which means to make a lot of mistakes. Jesus didn't arrive here knowing how to walk. He had fingers and toes, confusion, sexual feelings, crazy human internal processes. He had the same prejudices as the rest of his tribe: he had to learn that the Canaanite woman was a person. He had to suffer the hardships and tedium and setbacks of being a regular person. If he hadn't the incarnation would mean nothing."
Do you believe that Jesus came to join with us? Do you believe he came and experienced grief, sitting, waiting, thinking, reading, writing, feeling, eating, throw-up, cried, sneezed, stumbled, told jokes and laughed? Do you also believe He came to give life, true freedom and genuine love? Do you believe He suffered with us in our weakness? So much so, that we don't have to blame others? Do you believe He wants so badly your heart that he suffered? Do you believe he loves so deeply, He grieves still? The more we believe in this power... the more we are free, and grateful to be truly ourselves in Him.
"You were loved because God loves, period. God loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and His or Her child. God loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. God loves you crazily, like I love you...like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need."
I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I'm in a nursing home at a young age, blaming others. The secret to freedom and truly living in Christ is a heart of gratefulness. Out of a heart of gratitude flows the joy of life.
To steal from Anne Lamott, "Gratitude, not understanding, it's the secret to joy and equanimity".
What kind of Jesus do you believe in today? A Jesus who hears and suffers still with us, that nothing else matters? Do you believe in a Jesus of grace, grace, grace? Or, do you believe in a Jesus who demands rules, regulations and bondage? Who demands a checklist and a certain way to do things? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What choices are leading you to live a full life of love for others and complete joy in today? What choices are you making towards community, life and freedom? When your life is over, can you honestly say you were free? Be IN-COURAGED!!
I am tired of seeing people not become fully themselves. As humans we are constantly surrounded by people suffering and in grief. I am bombarded with people around me who are checking into hospitals, blaming others and surrounding themselves with people who are completely self-centered. People not taking 100% responsibility for their own decisions, and feeling entitled to everything. When we are let down, we want to blame someone else. Playing the victim, again. What happens? Confusion. The exact thing God is asking us to FLEE from, and the only thing the devil wants to feed! We are always giving less than our best because of the confusion we feed. Often played out in the physical form of laundry lists, grocery lists, video games, drugs, stress, music and more. It's our "just give me something to do," mentality. "Give me anything to take away these voices." Then, it occurred to me, THE LONGER MY LIST, THE LESS MY TRUST IN GOD." It's hard to just sit and be isn't it? It's hard to just be loved sometimes? To believe that when we grieve, Jesus did too...
"God sent Jesus to join the human experience, which means to make a lot of mistakes. Jesus didn't arrive here knowing how to walk. He had fingers and toes, confusion, sexual feelings, crazy human internal processes. He had the same prejudices as the rest of his tribe: he had to learn that the Canaanite woman was a person. He had to suffer the hardships and tedium and setbacks of being a regular person. If he hadn't the incarnation would mean nothing."
Do you believe that Jesus came to join with us? Do you believe he came and experienced grief, sitting, waiting, thinking, reading, writing, feeling, eating, throw-up, cried, sneezed, stumbled, told jokes and laughed? Do you also believe He came to give life, true freedom and genuine love? Do you believe He suffered with us in our weakness? So much so, that we don't have to blame others? Do you believe He wants so badly your heart that he suffered? Do you believe he loves so deeply, He grieves still? The more we believe in this power... the more we are free, and grateful to be truly ourselves in Him.
"You were loved because God loves, period. God loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and His or Her child. God loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. God loves you crazily, like I love you...like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need."
I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I'm in a nursing home at a young age, blaming others. The secret to freedom and truly living in Christ is a heart of gratefulness. Out of a heart of gratitude flows the joy of life.
To steal from Anne Lamott, "Gratitude, not understanding, it's the secret to joy and equanimity".
What kind of Jesus do you believe in today? A Jesus who hears and suffers still with us, that nothing else matters? Do you believe in a Jesus of grace, grace, grace? Or, do you believe in a Jesus who demands rules, regulations and bondage? Who demands a checklist and a certain way to do things? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What choices are leading you to live a full life of love for others and complete joy in today? What choices are you making towards community, life and freedom? When your life is over, can you honestly say you were free? Be IN-COURAGED!!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Love Project
A Year Of Love
"Whoever loves money never has money enough.- To gain the whole world, yet lose his very self." - Jesus
As I watch the state of our economy plummet, I realize more daily that we are leaving this world quickly. "You never know when you're gonna go," seems to be my motto these days. Morbid you may say? No. Truly, it's a response to the extreme desire to live a full and good life. The economy is increasingly giving us warnings. However, there is still an overwhelming social compulsion - an insanity of consensus, if you will to get rich from life rather than to live richly, to "do well" in the world instead of living well. And in spite of the fact that America is famous for its unhappy rich people, most of us remain convinced that just a little more money will set life right. All we need to do, is just buy one more lottery ticket.
Due to the realities of living richly in the age of an overarching depression lurking with every swipe of the card... I have decided to travel. I am excited for the journeys this next year will bring. I will be journeying To Africa, Europe and beyond. Spreading the hope and joy of God to all who are willing to listen. I will be interviewing hundreds on our favorite topic. "Love" -- The only thing that is the greatest. I will be conducting interviews, recording many, keeping a journal and writing my book.
May you be blessed as you read and continue your journey. Happy Travels!
Feel free to follow me on this blog, facebook or meet up in Europe!
Thoughts to Consider on Your Journey:
1) To be a light in the darkness. To open windows into musty houses. To pray with the dying. To sit, talk, stand and laugh with anyone. To eat at the tables of those who are in despair. To live my life as Jesus did.
2) Encouraging others to live an integrated and creative lifestyle.
Good Quotes I love:
From this hour I ordain myself loss'd of limits and imaginary lines, Going where I list, my own master total and absolute, Listening to others, considering well what they say, Pausing, searching, receiving and contemplating, Gently, but with undeniable will divesting myself of the holds that would hold me. - Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"
The greatest happiness of life it the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -Victor Marie Hugo
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us – Helen Keller
"Whoever loves money never has money enough.- To gain the whole world, yet lose his very self." - Jesus
As I watch the state of our economy plummet, I realize more daily that we are leaving this world quickly. "You never know when you're gonna go," seems to be my motto these days. Morbid you may say? No. Truly, it's a response to the extreme desire to live a full and good life. The economy is increasingly giving us warnings. However, there is still an overwhelming social compulsion - an insanity of consensus, if you will to get rich from life rather than to live richly, to "do well" in the world instead of living well. And in spite of the fact that America is famous for its unhappy rich people, most of us remain convinced that just a little more money will set life right. All we need to do, is just buy one more lottery ticket.
Due to the realities of living richly in the age of an overarching depression lurking with every swipe of the card... I have decided to travel. I am excited for the journeys this next year will bring. I will be journeying To Africa, Europe and beyond. Spreading the hope and joy of God to all who are willing to listen. I will be interviewing hundreds on our favorite topic. "Love" -- The only thing that is the greatest. I will be conducting interviews, recording many, keeping a journal and writing my book.
May you be blessed as you read and continue your journey. Happy Travels!
Feel free to follow me on this blog, facebook or meet up in Europe!
Thoughts to Consider on Your Journey:
1) To be a light in the darkness. To open windows into musty houses. To pray with the dying. To sit, talk, stand and laugh with anyone. To eat at the tables of those who are in despair. To live my life as Jesus did.
2) Encouraging others to live an integrated and creative lifestyle.
Good Quotes I love:
From this hour I ordain myself loss'd of limits and imaginary lines, Going where I list, my own master total and absolute, Listening to others, considering well what they say, Pausing, searching, receiving and contemplating, Gently, but with undeniable will divesting myself of the holds that would hold me. - Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"
The greatest happiness of life it the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -Victor Marie Hugo
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us – Helen Keller
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