The LesRev Blog

Go With the Flow

2008-04-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

Hello again, gentle readers...

Yes, it's been a good while since my last post. Life gets in the way and it's easy to get caught up in the worries and drama of the day. I think we are all guilty of that in some way or another.

I added a link to a Daily OM post I recently read. It's an excellent article and one which caused me to pause and think about how I walk through life.

There is "the flow." You can call it what you will: spirit, destiny, fate. It matters not the name, only that it is and we are on the journey. Some days it is a rushing river that carries us along at breakneck speed and we fail to slow down and experience the fullness of the trip. And sometimes it is a lazy river that slowly urges us to enjoy the scenery and the lessons it has to teach.

One of the points of the article was that we all participate in "the flow." I think it is important that we engage our conscious minds to be open to the images and experiences that come our way. If we simply put ourselves on "auto pilot" and ride without conscious effort, we never experience the fullness of life.

My life as of late has been one of busyness. Busy at work. Busy at home. Just plain busy. I relish the times that I have quiet. I find myself turning off the TV and turning on the soft sounds of the music of mindfulness. I escape to my place of rejuvenation. And it gets difficult to turn off the sounds of the world around me. The dogs bark. The phone rings. Just to get to that place of being able to drown out the noise and engage "the flow!" How I long for it!

So what is your life like? Are you going with "the flow?" Are you experiencing Spirit in all things? Do you rejoice in Mother Earth and all the wonderful creation around you? Or do you get bogged down in the worries of the day?

If getting bogged down is the issue, then take a moment to break away and engage "the flow." Quietly listen to Spirit and enjoin yourself with the Universe. Be the quiet you wish to experience in your life. Go with "the flow."

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2008/13327.html

Spirituality as a Life Practice

2008-01-29T07:14:00.001-08:00

Spirituality as a Life Practice

To exist as a spiritual being in a world of matter is often a difficult process. One must be continuously aware of both planes. The material world pulls our focus off being content to selfishness. We start to respond to the negative and allow our inner selves to be compromised by toxic people, places, things and circumstances. This focus is one of imbalance: a lack of harmony.

The condition of harmony brings to mind a part in an old car I once owned. I loved that car! It was an '89 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible. I had a very difficult time getting it to run properly. Why? A part called a “harmonic balancer.”

Because of the car's age, the part was obsolete. I searched high and low through parts houses and salvage yards. You see, that part was essential to making the car's engine run smoothly. Without it, the car sputtered and struggled and wore out the other parts which relied on it far before their time.

The Spiritual Life is the “harmonic balancer” for all other things.

Spirit brings us an acute awareness that we are co-creators with the Goddess and, therefore, have great affect on the material world around us. The situations and people we encounter cannot throw us off balance if we are operating on the spiritual plane. The “harmonic balancer”, Spirit, takes all the things that we face and lines them up in harmony.

So how can we be spiritually aware? I find the Five Principles of Brigit a great compass.

1. Protect the Earth - It is our home and our Mother.
2. Be a Peacemaker - Wear peace as a mantle.
3. Care for the Poor - Serve others with gladness and humility.
4. Be a Place of Sanctuary - One who brings comfort to the hurting.
5. Carry a Spirit of Meditation - Focus on the Goddess and hear the
Spirit Voice.

As a daily practice, let us tune in to the Spirit of balance, contentment, co-creation and harmony to bring about a better life for ourselves an those around us.

Blessed Be!
CLG

Happy Holidays

2007-12-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Blessings to you all, gentle readers, during this holiday season. Thank you for sharing your time with me and for all of your comments. It is an honor to share my thoughts with you all.

As many know, my day job is as a pet trainer for PetSmart. Because of that, I have the joy of saying, "Happy Holidays" to a lot of folks. In the deep South, them's fighting words.

Any use of "Happy Holidays" will, on more than one occasion, lead to a confrontation with someone who believes there is a "war on Christmas." I've been hollered at, forced to acknowledge Christmas before someone would leave my checkout line, told I was "the devil" or "satan" for not saying, "Merry Christmas." The list goes on and on. How in the world did we get from having respect for another's holy days to a "war on Christmas?" It's so not about ignoring Christmas! It's about being respectful of someone else's beliefs or holy days. Good heavens, people!!

I just don't understand all the militant attitudes by Christians. Forcing someone to submit to Christmas is about as encouraging as scaring them to Jesus during Halloween! Do the Christian fundamentalists honestly believe that this will convert people to their personal belief? How could it?

In a way, I'm glad the Christmas holiday has come and gone. When I go back to work tomorrow, I won't have to worry about a rabid fundamentalist Christian going off on me for saying, "Happy Holidays!" It will take a good bit of stress away from working during this time of year. Fortunately, "Happy New Year" is much less threatening to the religious right. Dear Goddess, I hope they don't find a way to make it a religious holiday or work will be unbearable!

My wish this holiday season is that we could all stand, hand in hand, heart to heart, and honor each other's traditions without the need to convert; without the need to force our beliefs on another. So, as you go through this holiday season, take time to wish someone who does not share your belief a Happy Chanukkah, Blessed Yule, Happy Kwanzaa, etc. What is so awful about that? Does it detract from your celebration, your holy day? Heavens no! But what it does do is recognize the spiritual in each person, respecting and celebrating with instead of against.

So for this coming year, consider giving respect to other's spiritual paths; honoring their holy days. Avoid forcing your personal spiritual beliefs on another person and take time within yourself to worship in the way you would do.

Happy Holidays and wishes for a prosperous and blessed New Year!

Take a Little Trip...

2007-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Going back to Mississippi is always traumatic. And it's usually because of a trip to the VA for my beloved. So...double trauma.

This trip, we drove through Louisiana because of a corgi rescue in Lake Charles (it's further than I thought it was). Now, it's difficult to look at the leftovers of Katrina in Mississippi. The pic at the left is one of them. We see this house on the beach each trip. Never fails to amaze me when I look at it. And, yes, those are slabs all around it. Slabs everywhere.

But I digress. I haven't been through New Orleans in a good year. And to be honest, I'm so sick of hearing about New Orleans when the folks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are so very crushed. Everyone seems to have forgotten that the hurricane hit Mississippi. The levees broke in New Orleans. (Sorry I channel the disgust at every turn.)

However, during this trip I looked at the east side of New Orleans. Really looked. It's just horrible. There are buildings upon buildings that lie empty and full of mold and rats everywhere you turn. Lines of apartment buildings that used to be someone's home are in shambles, some ravaged by fire and looters. Businesses have started to reopen, but there is no neighborhood to serve. The Wal-Mart and Sam's Club lie in ruins, open to the rotten air.

As we left the east side traveling through Metairie and west, there were rebuilt homes everywhere. Road projects going at full steam were tying up traffic in knots. I can clearly see where all the FEMA money went...to the wealthy. The poor and minorities who need the help can't get it and the city wants to demolish what's left of their homes.

Don't misunderstand me, I get why these homes have to be torn down. They are a health hazard, and have been for some time. But, to take the hope of a home away and not give the opportunity for a new one is a travesty in a country like America! America, where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity. America, where we take care of our own.

I think not.

What a shame that the poor and minorities have been so forgotten. Isn't the premise of Christianity to care for the widows and orphans? Where are our Christians now? Where is our president who claims a mandate from God? He handed over a bunch of money to private companies associated with his family and the money went to line the pockets of the rich. This is our America, and it saddens me greatly.

To our brothers and sisters in New Orleans, my humble apologies for being so selfish over the slight of the Gulf Coast. You certainly need the help. It's unfortunate that our leaders, both local and federal, choose to look the other way while their pockets get heavy off the backs of the poor.

Christianity, indeed.

Atypical Veterans Day Blog

2007-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

Why atypical? Because I wonder how many of our Pagan brothers and sisters are serving in silence. Because I wonder how many of our military brothers and sisters would harm them for their religious belief. It took until April 2007 before the US Government was FORCED to recognized Pagan soldiers with appropriate grave markers. Grave markers!!

Okay, call me nuts, but isn't what is put on someone's grave marker the final honor we give them? Were I Christian I certainly wouldn't want a pentagram on my grave marker, any more than were I Wiccan would I want a cross! Ughh. That this would even need debate amazes me.

And to take this thought one step further, how many Pagan soldiers are being given the opportunity for corporate worship should they choose? Not many. Why? Because the overwhelming number of Christian ministers in the military refuse to offer it. So the Pagan soldier is left to his own thoughts, choosing who he/she comes out of the "broom closet" to for fear of retribution by Christian superiors.

So then what do we do? We give vocal support to Pagan Soldiers. Find the organizations who are providing legal and moral support to these men and women and get involved. The least you can do is get involved in petition drives! Many sites have lists of Pagan soldiers to whom you can write and encourage.

So, to all vets, thank you from the depths of my heart for your selfless service. Whether one agrees with war or not, it is the soldier who deserves our gratitude. To the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. You have our thanks and our prayers. And to our Pagan brothers and sisters, may you find you do not have to serve in silence any longer.

The veterans are the foundation of our country.

A Ripple In The Water

2007-11-05T06:49:00.001-08:00

Hello Gentle Readers...
My partner and I have been attending a UU church in town the past couple of weeks. A friend who is Pagan spoke yesterday about her journey from a fundamentalist family to her life as a Pagan. It was incredibly interesting and I found myself hanging on every word and hanging on the edge of my chair.
This is some of my story, as well, minus the amazing education to which this woman has had access. I began life in the United Methodist/Congregational Methodist church and through many incarnations of religious thought have found myself on the door of Paganism. It is a long and thoughtful journey.
During my friends talk, she discussed the tenets of Paganism: "An' it harm none, do as ye will." I've always considered this the main thought in earth-based religion. Don't harm the environment, for it is Divine. Don't harm another, for they are Divine. And start with don't harm yourself, for you are Divine. One thought was that if one thinks ill against another it, by expense of energy, affects the other. Our energy enters this sphere with each action and thought. So if I think or harbor ill against another, I affect their lives. And in turn, this can affect the lives of others: the ripple in the water.
But, while we were discussing this concept, another woman spoke up and made this an even more important thought. She reminded us all that just as ill begets ill, so love begets love. If we chose to take that affect and turn it for good, we engage the ripple affect for good! Yes! This is that upon which we must focus! Returning good for evil. Changing what we feel by using our Divine nature and making the choice to be well and happy. We take that which would ruin us and use it to become even more Divine!
Oh my, what a revelation! We do not, as Divine Beings, have to simply take what is poured out on us by others with suspect intentions! We can choose to be Divine. I cannot tell you how this affects me! When my day at work is difficult, I can choose to be happy...and in that happiness and joy, overcome the evil or dark that would take my joy!!!!
I know this is rambling, and I apologize. But my mind is running in fast forward over this concept and truth. I hope you catch the enthusiasm this has brought to me and allow it to flow all over you! You can change your life. You can change your world. And you can overcome that which would hold you back!
Thank Goddess!

Blessed Samhain

2007-10-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

Merry Meet...again gentle readers...

We are fast approaching Halloween, the ancient festival Samhain (Sow'ehn) which celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of the winter season. This was a time of year where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

In ancient lore, the Goddess enters the place of the Crone. The God dies to be reborn at the beginning of Summer. To some, this would sound absurd. But to the ancients, who celebrated two seasons, this made perfect sense and it was how they celebrated the spiritual. The spiritual for these people infiltrated the whole of their lives. All things living and dead were honored.

In my personal journey, I have found a kinship to this spirituality. I have seen how my life has ebbed and flowed according to the seasons. As I seek to celebrate this Samhain, I am looking for ways to honor the dead who have gone before. Of course there are specific ways to celebrate and one can find them all over the internet. But what makes this personal is finding my own way to celebrate and give honor.

So this week I am seeking wisdom on this very thing. The altar set up you see in the picture above is beautiful. But where to set up an altar where the cats and dogs can't bother it? And where to find the wonderful things that are shown on it? There is a woman who has a booth in our flea market and I can probably find some things there. However, there is a strong sense of nature on this altar. And being in the deep south makes it difficult to find strikingly beautiful fall colored leaves. I am considering evergreens as a sign of the circle of life in which we all find ourselves.

I suppose this should be a blog of great insight and import. I am at a place along this spiritual path of seeking my own way and the immortals that would guide me in that way. Samhain this year will be a beginning of a new path, not necessarily an ending: finding my way through the winter season and learning to communicate with and honor those who have gone before.

To those Christians who would be agast at this journey, remember that your own journey infused these holidays and named them for your own use. What we in the Pagan community celebrate as Samhain, you named All Saints Day. The same is true with most, if not all, Christian holidays. They were borrowed from the Pagans and Heathens as their own. So how can one assimilate Christianity and Paganism? I can't say I understand. However, for me, they do infuse each other into a wonderful tapestry of spirituality.

So I encourage you to study Samhain and see how you can make this celebration your own. Look across the year and seek to honor the dead...and the living. Understand that you are fast approaching the end of summer and the beginning of the winter season. I have come to realize the refreshing that is winter. In meditation and celebration, you will see it too if you have an open heart and mind...and spirit...to that which is Samhain.

I wish you a blessed Samhain and a refreshing winter season!

Warrantless Wiretaps Approved????

2007-08-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

You'll be broken-hearted by the image at the left. If you're not, you're not breathing.

In the last election, this country gave the Congress to people we had hoped would care about what America stands for; the freedoms and privacy we have sent our men and women to die for!

All hope has now escaped me. Just when I thought they, the Congress, might rebound and show some intestinal fortitude. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Lead by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, they gave our mal-administration an open door to spying on their own people - US - the Americans who bleed red, white and blue.

Even though none of it truly surprises me since I've seen this Bush group at work for several years now, it disappoints me to the point of despair. When will our senators and representatives stand up for us? When will we stand up for ourselves? Gee, we thought we did that during the last election when we effectively made George Bush and his minions lame ducks. But...no...here come the Dems we hoped to save us, save our military men and women, and preserve our freedoms and rights, and shove us under the bus of fascism.

Dear Goddess deliver us from this evil. If there ever was a wolf in sheep's clothing, this is it. If you think I'm incorrect, take time to go to the White House website and view the (p)resident's "signing statements." These are nothing more than Bush's circumventing of the checks and balances our forefathers saw as necessary to keep us free.

Stop a moment and read the article in The Christian Monitor. It's an eye-opener. And if you are enlightened, start doing your own research into the disaster which is this mal-administration. Amazing what one can find on the internet - if you look at overseas media. Certainly, our media is either hog-tied or tongue-tied (or both) and shamefully deficient at providing truth.

You ask what this has to do with spirituality? Everything! Spirituality is a search for truth. One only need to meditate on Goddess' goodness to see that America has been an experiment in designing a country around truth. Sadly, that truth has been twisted into a lie and many people are suffering for it.

(click on the title to see the CSM article in full.)

Independence Day

2007-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Independence Day

I could not let this holiday pass without asking each of us to thank a soldier. A soldier is the highest expression of courage and selflessness.

But, be angered by the carelessness of this Administration and their lack of concern for those who would serve them. The conditions at Walter Reed and many other VA Hospitals are deplorable. The backlog in determinations of disability are unforgivable. All the while these men and women suffer through war and its aftermath, those in the Administration continue to line their financial pockets with the profits of their blood lust.

It is wrong. Simple and to the point. Wrong. However, unless those of us who understand that to WAGE PEACE is the better way stand up and demand that our voices of dissent be heard, the wars will continue.

Iraq and Afghanistan. We are losing soldiers by the hundreds each month. And those countries are losing citizens by even greater numbers. It is holocaust. Now some in Congress and the White House are calling for, and implementing, plans to invade Iran. There is continuing war in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria... And the list continues to grow. We have the threat of North Korea, which is very real and very ignored. Unless something miraculous happens, we are well on our way to another World War.

And who is caught in the middle of this giant pissing contest by our leaders? Our brave, courageous and wonderful soldiers! They committed themselves to protect this country from all threats, foreign and domestic. But, this wasn't a threat until our (p)resident decided to invade a sovereign country, topple a foreign leader, and take over his country...and then take control of the country's biggest trade...the OIL. Oh, and "Osama who?" Our soldiers in Afghanistan are spitting in the wind trying to bring the one person responsible for 9/11 to justice!

All the while, our soldiers are fighting for their lives. Be a stand up person this Independence Day. Stand up for our soldiers! Express your deep and abiding gratefulness for their continued sacrifice. Stop staring at the pretty colors of the fireworks and get a real sense of what is going on in our world today. Then get active! Wage peace. Write your congressional representatives. Tell them to stop the madness that is this war.

Goddess bless our military men and women...and their families who sacrifice greatly for our good.

An' ye harm none...

2007-06-18T06:14:00.001-07:00

This is the Wiccan Rede. The two principles shown are pretty good...and pretty standard for anyone who seeks a spiritual path.

First, "An' ye harm none, do what ye will." So how is that important today, regardless of your spiritual path? Simple. What's the golden rule? Do unto others as you would have done unto you? Sound familiar?

I think every religion or spirituality has some kind of rule that is similar. It's important to act with respect and concern for others...and for onesself. The Rede does say, "An' ye harm none..." Doesn't that include self? I believe it does. So if we are living a path that is full of self-harm and self-degredation, are we not failing to follow the Rede?

An example comes to mind. Recently on a forum in which I participate a couple of folks were talking about being confronted by Christians (as they are Wiccan) or others who wanted to engage in conversation. One person seemed flustered and ended the conversation without even purchasing the book they went there to get. Another spoke about religious folks who come to your door.

Here's the rub: Are we to be kind-hearted and gentle with these souls even though we disagree and think they're obnoxious? Or are we to meet them head to head on spiritual matters? I think kindness wins out. Here's why: If we are confrontational, have we not done the exact thing we dislike in them? I believe so. Just as they are not going to change our beliefs with their approach, neither are we going to change theirs. It just becomes a stand-off of who's the better fighter. To me, this fails the Wiccan Rede. We are harming them by being confrontational and rude. And in the end, aren't we really harming ourselves by allowing our peace to be shattered by our rudeness?

Some may disagree, but I would put forth that it is easy to get caught up in the affairs of the world around us that can and will cause us to give up the peace we seek. And if that is the case, does the junk that clogs up our spiritual conduit give us an impairment when we seek to perform rituals or prayers?

I had to learn a while back that what Christians have been taught as "witnessing" is nothing more than quoting bible verses. When most are asked to explain their spirituality, they cannot. Again, they revert back to quotes. Now, does that mean we cannot involve ourselves in meaningful dialogue with them? No, of course not. I LOVE a good conversation on spiritual matters. It challenges me to think through my spiritual journey and to understand within myself that which is important. I don't really think of challenging the other. I think of what I can learn. However, in so doing, the person I am with is challenged, as well. This is the essence of conversation, isn't it? Mutual stimulation! There is a difference between the challenge of stimulation and the challenge warring against another's beliefs.

So, I offer you the challenge. When confronted by others who may not share your spiritual journey, consider your speech and body posture. Are you one who encourages another to find their inner self and God(s) or Goddess(es)? Or are you simply argumentative for arguments' sake? Arguments never solved a problem, nor have they ever encouraged self-discovery.

Dialogues do just that. So take to heart the Wiccan Rede which reads, in part: "An' ye harm none, do as ye will."

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Memorial Day 2007

In memory of those who served selflessly and gave all.

In memory of and to honor our female soldiers. They supposedly don't serve in combat roles. But our Defense Department lies. Many mothers, sisters and daughters have fallen in Iraq. Many who have returned home, are suffering not only the physical and mental scars of war, but are treated as wimps and whiners by their own V.A.

To honor soldiers who have faced the ugliness of war, cried for their lost comrades, and come home to horrible treatment at Walter Reed when they should receive the very best America has to offer. May we rise up in protest and give them the health care they need and deserve!

And to my brave soldier, my partner, my life. Her time in Iraq cost her much. But she wore the uniform with pride and served in spite of terrible conditions and a lying President. She will always be my hero.

Today, as you meet people through your journey, thank a soldier. Thank them for their selfless service. Thank them for being brave. Thank them for our freedom. Because without their willingness to sacrifice, there would be no America.

New Blog

2007-02-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce a new blog: The Spirit Journey. I have found myself traveling along a path that is one of depth and surprise. I hope to continue to share my journey with you. As a Celtic Christian, I find myself reaching back to my ancestry to a place of reverence for nature and creation. I invite you again to join me on the journey.

Rev. Cindi

http://thespiritjourney.blogspot.com

Sunshine

2007-02-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday. For some, a day of rest. For some, a day of worship. For some, a day for work.

This day has started out with a bang. Patti was rear-ended on the way to work. What started out as a day of work quickly turned into a day of worship and a day of rest.

I've wondered how a day can be all three things. It would seem that rest would negate the action of worship and worship would negate the requirement to work, etc. But here we are.

A dear friend and co-worker was on the doorstep this morning letting me know about the accident. My peace was quickly shattered and I prayed that Goddess had protected my partner.

Funny thing though. As I got to the accident site, I was struck by the beauty of the morning. Yes, everyone was alright, albeit a bit beat up and sore. But the sun was shining with a brightness I've not seen in days. The air was crisp and cold, heightening the senses. The dew had frozen on the windshield in the most amazing shapes and sizes! There was so much to behold.

As all of the people involved met with the police and exchanged information, I saw the trees on the side of the road. They were tall southern pines. Their size spoke of majesty. Neat thing about these southern pines: they grow very tall but all the branches are at the top of the trees. It's like the entire tree trunk is a root for the new growth.

I began to think about how much like those trees our lives become: We grow and each new level of understanding becomes a foundation for new growth.
So, even in the midst of confusion and concern our Mother speaks to us in the depths of our spirit about the importance of life.

Christmas Message

2006-12-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

During this holiday time, let us remember that there is no war on Christmas. Christians the world over celebrate in as many different traditions as there are denominations to hold them. We are still, in America, given the privilege of worshiping in freedom. And those who do not celebrate as we do, are given the freedom to celebrate their own traditions. We must remember that there is nothing wrong with that!

When you encounter those who would wish you Happy Holidays, don't take offense. Be thankful that you live in a country where you have the privilege of expressing those wishes. Realize that the Christian faith is not the faith of all and offer your best wishes to others who celebrate differently. Nothing says you have to agree with their personal choices or convictions. But if one truly believes the Christian message, one will offer respect and graciousness in light of differences.

So to my Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Wiccan, and other friends, my partner and I wish you a happy holiday season. May you find great personal connection to your Creator(s) this season. May you have a New Year full of prosperity and joy.

May God/dess bless you richly!

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

2006-11-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time again. We in America gather around our dinner tables and televisions to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and family. Christians tend to gravitate toward this holiday, proclaiming it a time of blessing. It all sounds so great, this Thanksgiving holiday. Plenty of food and fun to go around. Lots of football.

But, if we go back to the origin of what we consider the first Thanksgiving, things weren't so nice. First, we must remember that the Puritans (who were called that for a reason) came seeking a place where they could be separate from those whom they considered too liberal in their faith. They had very strict rules and were quite fundamentalist in their beliefs.

They took over a sovreign nation (the Wampanoag who lived here) and proclaimed their faith as law, overrunning the native inhabitants. (Seeing a pattern?) The Puritans felt they had a mandate from their God to subdue the so-called savages and convert them. They disarmed the Wampanoag through deceit and force, thus taking over the land and all of the inhabitants.

Does any of this sound familiar? I know this should be a typical Thanksgiving post. But, that's not where our country is really at, is it? Just as the Puritans land-grabbed and dominated because they felt their God made them special, so has our government done the same. The Christian fundamentalists have grabbed control in the name of dominion and are slowly taking away all of our rights and liberties, just as the Puritans took away all of the ways of the Native American Wampanoag.

I encourage you this Thanksgiving holiday to consider the true history behind the holiday. Consider what is becoming of our country; how disrespected we are now because of sweeping facism and religious fundamentalism. Take time to thank your God for the year's blessings. By all means, do that. But then remember those who cannot because of war, famine, homelessness and lies. Be thankful....but remember to be humble.

Election Results...Now let's get busy!

2006-11-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

My friends,

The election is over, with a few disputed races and recounts with which to deal. I, for one, am glad I will not have to suffer those horrid negative campaign ads for a while. The candidates really do go after each other. You know, when it gets personal I'm just not interested. Here in Alabama, home of ugly politics and politicians in jail, they got pretty ugly. Don't tell me how nasty your opponent is. Tell me what you will try to do if elected. Ughh. It won't be long before we start hearing the next election garbage ads...and that one will be even worse.

That said, let's now turn our focus to getting this country back on track. We have suffered such a terrible loss of respect in the world (with good reason, mind you). I'm very disappointed to hear that incoming Speaker Pelosi has taken the impeachment issue off the table. I truly believe the whole lot of them should be thrown out of office, tried and convicted of war crimes. But, that's just me.

While we are spending billions trying to save face for President Bush, our own are starving and homeless. Just think of how much money we've spent in Iraq. Over $9 million is still unaccounted for! If we had not attacked a sovreign nation, who has been proven to have NOTHING to do with 9/11, we could make such a dent in our own problems at home. Don't misunderstand my love and commitment to our troops. As you well know, Patti was one of those who served with honor in Iraq.

But, had our President not done this, we would have three thousand men and women at home with their families this holiday. We would have men and women who would be able to kiss their children and loved ones tonight and wake up to them tomorrow. That's not to even mention, let alone forget, the over half million Iraqis who have been lost. And the number of both is still rising.

So, my hope is that our incoming government will have some cajones and redeploy our troops; bring 'em home! Let's take the money we would have spent on war and spend it on peace. Let's allow our National Guard to get back to their daily lives. Let us build affordable housing for those who are without homes (like those who suffered dramatic losses in Katrina). Let's get food out to those who starve, especially the children. Let's take care of our ill.

I know it sounds like a total Dem agenda. But, really, it's a HUMAN agenda. My goodness, we've gotten so proud of our, " It's not my problem. " attitude! The poor are not my problem. The homeless are not my problem. We've become a selfish nation hell-bent on having more and more and leaving the suffering behind us. Shame on us!

So I say to our incoming representatives and senators, grow up! And for those of us who live in our comfortable homes and shop the bargains at Wal-Mart, pick up a few extra items for someone who needs them. Give a bag of food and necessities to a charity. Help Habitat for Humanity build a home. Use your vacation to make a difference in the life of one person instead of spending a couple thousand on a beach hotel room.

If we all gave as we were able, the entire world would be a better place. And you know what they say, charity begins at home.

Hey, leaders...hear what we're saying! Peace not war. Food not starvation. Homes not a cheap tarp picked up from the trash strewn over two trash cans. We are the richest nation on the planet. There's no excuse for not helping the poor and widows.

May God bless you richly this day...and may you find a way to make a difference in your little corner of the world. Oh, and don't forget to write or call your representatives and senators with a few suggestions from their constituents!

Cindi

2006-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

http://360.yahoo.com/my_profile-TQMuNCw6crJMgxYWBwZHKO96

My Yahoo 360 profile, including pics of me, Patti and "the kids." Just check out the photo album on the right.

The Pharisaic Spirit

2006-09-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Gentle Readers...

Odd title for a blog: The Pharisaic Spirit. But it is a topic which I feel compelled to address.

First, who were the Pharisees? They had some good things going for them. They believed in the "One God." They believed that humankind had free will. They also believed that God was all-knowing and therefore had foreknowledge of humankinds' decisions. The Pharisees also believed in the resurrection of the dead. Great. These are all teachings that have followed history to this very day.

How did Jesus see them, though?

Matthew 23. The bulk of the writing is the reported words of Jesus about the Pharisees. Let's look at v.2 and 3: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach."

Ouch.

Jesus calls them hypocrites in v.13. He tells them even though they go to great lengths to create one convert, the Pharisees and their converts are children of hell. In v.23 Jesus calls them out for being diligent to pay tithes, but neglecting the more spiritual things: justice, mercy and faith. In v.28 Jesus hits them with the righteous judgment of God: "So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

This last statement, v.28, is the crux of the matter. What is a Pharisaical Spirit? It begins in the heart of a Christian with a thought. In quiet tones it whispers, "You're better than that." You're better than that skid row man who just walked in the back of the church and smells. Oh, you say hello and maybe smile. But you walk away to find your seat; the one you always sit in.

You're better than that one who does not show forth the same gifts. Certainly, you are better, more spiritual, more mature because of it. You're better than that. You smile and say hello, and then make your way to the front of the church so all can see you sing and raise your hands.

You're better than that one who sits in their seat with their head bowed, humbled by the small gift they have to offer. It may be their last dollar, but Jesus views it as the greatest of gifts in the offering plate. What do you do? You despise the offering as lacking faith, shout and make a show of putting your check in the plate, and thank God you're better than "them."

You seek places of leadership, not places of service. You seek recognition and not a quiet closet of prayer. You seek not faith, even though you talk about it all the time. You seek prosperity instead of being poor in spirit and meek in countenance. You find for yourself the head of the table.

And what is God's Word for all of this? Humble yourself before your God and kiss the Son's feet lest He condemn you! We are called to be servants, givers of life and meet the needs of the poor. We are called to be kindhearted, gentle encouragers of those who face adversity!

Galatians 6:1. "My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness..." v.2 "Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

There is no room for us to have "better than" attitudes. There is no room for judgment against a brother or sister. Only God is the righteous Judge. Not a single one of us, myself included, should push away one of our own family. A good friend once said to me that Christians are the only army that shoots their own wounded. And I hate to admit that it is so.

I compel you in Christ to look inside and recognize the Pharisaical Spirit and cast it out. (It can be a subtle spirit!) I learned this lesson a couple of years ago and it was heart-wrenching. I suggest to you that our churches are full of Pharisaical Spirits that have caused us to be a laughing stock in the World. Put away this spirit and live, says the Lord. Reach out in love and kindness and restore those who have been wounded. And remember that each of us may be in the position someday to need someone to lift us up, and we would want our friends to care for us, not cast us away.

May God bless these words and carry them to fertile soil.

Real Christians Fight Intolerance

2006-09-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

This writing came to me recently on a group in which I participate. I found it quite moving and wished to share it with you. I hope you are blessed by the writer as I was.

Real Christians Fight Intolerance
By Rev. Jim Rigby, AlterNet. Posted July 14, 2006.

Progressive Christians tend to be non-judgemental and to feel that challenging the intolerance of others is itself intolerant. For that reason we often sit by silently when Fundamentalist Christians criticize homosexual persons. We tend to think of this as being open minded.

Not that long ago, it was considered consistent to be a Christian, and yet, hold slaves. The day came when slavery was understood as an affront to the gospel itself. I want to suggest that the day has come when Christians must declare that gay bashing is an attack on the gospel and that real Christians do not participate in any form of discrimination.

Several years ago, I was asked to do the funeral of a gay man who had been beaten to death in a hate crime. At that time, I had never thought deeply about the danger many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face in this culture. That week as I worked on the service, I kept hearing a local "Christian" radio station blaming gay and lesbian people for everything wrong in America. By the end of the week I understood the link between religious hate speech and the funeral I was performing.

I know that critics of homosexuality do not consider themselves to be hateful. They would say they "love the sinner but hate the sin." If the shoe were on the other foot, however, and someone were attacking their families, trying to take their children away, and constantly working to pass legislation to deprive them of basic civil rights, at some point they would understand that "homophobia" is too mild a word for such harassment. "Hatred" is the only proper term.

I was raised in Dallas, Texas and had classmates who were in the Klan. I remember that they did not consider themselves to be attacking other people. They perceived themselves to be defenders of Christian America. Their "religion" consisted of an unrelenting attack on people who were black, Jewish or homosexual. If anyone challenged these views, these Klan members considered themselves under attack and believed that their right to free exercise of religion was being threatened. In other words, they felt that harassing other people was a protected expression of their own religious faith.

In the Gospel, biblical literalists and judgmental people were the negative example in many of the stories. The point of those stories was to teach us the hypocrisy of judgmental religion. When a woman was caught in adultery, the Biblical literalists lined up to protect family values. They pointed out that the Bible literally says that adulterers are to be stoned. If Jesus took the Bible seriously, they claimed, he would have to participate in the mandated biblical punishment of an adulteress.

Instead of following scripture, Jesus tells the woman to get her life together and tells everyone else to drop their stones of judgment. The only way to take this story seriously is to conclude that real Christians don't use the bible to condemn other people.

It violates the teaching of Christ to say that God will get angry if America does not confront homosexuality as a sin. Jesus did not mention homosexuality and it is a lie to say he did. Furthermore, Jesus said "Judge not or you will be judged." These false prophets are saying "Judge or else you will be judged."Jesus was kind and understanding, but he was not silent about those who abused the vulnerable. He called them "wolves in sheep's clothing."

Christians must follow the example of Jesus and confront those vicious predators who use the Christian religion as a camouflage for bullying. We must be as understanding and kind as we can be, but to be tolerant of the oppression of others is not true tolerance.

I believe the time has come to say that genuine followers of Jesus Christ do not participate in discrimination against gay and lesbian persons. Is it intolerant to challenge intolerance? Are we doing the same thing as those we are challenging?

Gay bashing is not just an opinion, it is an assault. Just as the Klan did, religious fundamentalists have a right to believe that homosexuality is a sin. They even have a right to preach a message of hate. But when they harass people in public, it is time for Christians to rise to challenge their intolerance. We have an obligation to protect our neighbors from harassment and slander, especially when it is done in our name.

It is time to say that gay bashing is not only wrong, it is unchristian. If Christianity is grace, then judgment is the ultimate apostasy. If Christianity is love, then cruelty is the ultimate heresy.

The Rev. Jim Rigby is pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Tex. He can be reached at jrigby0000@aol.com

What do you do when...

2006-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hello gentle readers...

Well, things are moving along swimingly. I received my promotion at the day job. I'm now an accredited pet trainer. I have three classes going right now and I really enjoy them. But I have a dilemma...

What do you do when you are called to minister and your regular job drains you? This is where I'm at right now. To be fair to our members and friends, I truly need to devote a good bit of my time to phone calls and visits. It just isn't that easy with the hours I work. So I've spent the past couple of weeks or so just being quiet. I know there are needs out there, but I've just not felt I can make a positive impact on others at this point.

I am reminded of when Jesus went off to pray. There were folks with him, although they surely weren't much of a support system. When Jesus needed them the most, to support him and move the ministry of God's Word forward, what did they do? They fell asleep. Yep, they crashed. How discouraged Jesus must have felt! He knew he had to accomplish overcoming death and bring salvation to those who would believe on him. Yet, there he was alone without the help of those who were to minister with and for him.

I can only say that, as one who is supposed to lead, it isn't easy to feel like you're going it alone. Oh sure, I know others are doing the ministry sending cards, making calls, visiting the sick, and bringing communion to the homebound. I simply feel set apart from this effort. How does one lead? How does one organize individuality? This is my place right now.

I know that God has me in the right place at the right time. But, I am easily discouraged at this point. There's so much to accomplish and so little time to accomplish it!

All I can do in this place is trust that God is guiding. To do what I know to do and to not do it would be sin. So, I continue to try to minister healing to God's children, even when I seem to have no direction. It's all about the trust. It's all about the faith. It's all about the hope.

Today, when you look at what you need to do and how limited your time and budget are, remember the trust, faith and hope that God brings to you. Step back. Take a deep breath. And go forward knowing that God goes with you.

This is my prayer for you: That you would know God intimately, walk in faith, know to trust, and offer hope to the world around you. I would hope you would pray the same for me.

God's blessings,
CLG-B

Update on Life

2006-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello gentle readers...

It's been awhile since I've posted. Life is busy, as I'm sure it is for all of you. It's amazing how we can get caught up in the everyday and forget the eternal.

I spent the past couple of weeks near New Orleans in training for my new position with PetSmart. I am now an accredited pet trainer. That's rather scary for me, I must admit. You see, I've come a long way from the 12 year old girl who was terrified of dogs.

As a friend and I were riding our bikes to our softball practice, a german shepherd lunged over it's enclosure and attacked us. My friend was very badly mauled. I escaped physical harm. However, the emotional scars were there for decades. As I got older, I lived with girlfriends who had dogs and I mostly avoided them. When I entered a covenant relationship with Patti, I knew she was a "dog person" and I would have to get over my fear.

The first step was to take a job with the local humane society. I worked as an adoption counselor and forced myself to deal with my fear by walking the large dogs. In time, the fear became less and less. Then, knowing what great therapy a dog can be and being a bit afraid of being on my own while Patti was deployed, I got a puppy. Tank is a marvelous dog! I can't imagine life without his little Corgi butt parading around the house!

When we were displaced by Hurricane Katrina, I got a job at PetSmart as a cashier. Of course, that required me to be friendly with all of the animals that entered the store. Quickly I realized that I wasn't so much afraid anymore! Amazing. A true healing of the soul by God.

When the position of Pet Trainer came open, I applied honestly expecting to be turned down for the job. Surprise of all surprises, I was offered the job! I focused on my training. My area trainer said that she was amazed at how much of the book material I had retained. So, I graduated from training school on 7/29 and my first class is this coming Saturday, 8/5! I'm so psyched. I hope I avoid the jitters that come with something new and am a good fit for this job.

The reason I share all of this is two-fold:

First, God has taken a very fearful situation and made it whole. Years ago, I could have given up and given in to that fear and just lived in it. But, I made a conscious decision to face the fear and give God an opportunity to bring healing. Not only is healing continuously occuring, but God has brought me to a job that will provide for my family. For someone who deals with being bipolar and the difficulties that come with it (including holding down a job), this is a tremendous victory.

Second, I have learned that even the most simple things that affect our lives, like a fear of dogs, can be overcome by prayer and diligence. Prayer is important. It is our communication (and that is a two-way conversation) with our God. But unless one acts on the prayer, puts some action to the request, nothing much gets accomplished. Prayer requires us to play an active role. I am an active participant in my spiritual journey. It's not just about God leading us around by a ring in our nose. It's about us in continual contact with our God and walking in the understanding we are given. How can we expect more wisdom without acting on the wisdom we have? That is how we learn, my friends.

So, I am thankful and full of praise for God's continuing work in my life. I am thankful that God has shown me how I must respond to all that God shows me before I can expect to grow further. And I am prayerful that my experience will compel you to respond to God and seek growth for your own spiritual journey.

May God richly bless you as you seek God's best for your life...

CLG-B

Independence Day

2006-07-04T12:36:00.001-07:00

My dear friends...

On this 4th of July holiday, I feel compelled to write on independence. More than 200 years ago, some very wise individuals came together to create a country. They took their ideals and put pen to paper. Those documents still govern us today.

My question is whether the spirit of those ideals still remains? In my humble opinion, I think not. Here is why.

First, all people do not have the privilege of all of the rights guaranteed to our citizens. All minorities still suffer under prejudice and hatred. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Americans remain without any civil rights or legal recourse. This should not be. The widest interpretation of those words given at the inception of our country should be accepted to understand that ALL people are created equal, and as such should be afforded all rights and liberties under our system of laws.

Second, we were given by these founders a tri-fold system of governance so that not one single part would gain control and create dictatorship and infringe on the rights of the individual. We suffer horribly under our present administration's dismissal of this concept. We have an appointed leader (not one supported by the vote of the people), who has taken to himself complete control including the decimation of civil liberties. This has been accomplished through government secrecy and violation of individuals by obtaining their bank records, phone records, and anything else the administration wants. This is done without regard to the law. And it continues to be done without the oversight of an emasculated Congress.

Third, our government was meant to provide representation for the public's taxation. We were to live within our means as a country. Thanks to the current war of aggression against the sovereign country of Iraq and massive spending by this administration, we as a country are in deep, deep debt. Much of this money is being borrowed through foreign countries, making us dependent upon their mercy financially, commercially, and politically. As individuals, you and I must live within the confines of our paycheck. We cannot simply give ourselves a raise. We cannot spend on a whim knowing our rent is due. We must be frugal. And with our economy as it currently stands, our status in life is certainly not improving. Yet...our government spends without concern for its citizens and their limited ability to pay taxes. What will be the outcome of this frivolity?

You want to know the state of this Union? It is easily found in the media reports from those who are not afraid of this administration; who will not be manhandled by a corrupt government. Unless something changes, and quickly, our beloved country may not be around much longer. We have become weak by spreading our defenses around the world, where they cannot defend us at home. We have become weak by becoming the slave to other countries' finances and commerce. We have become weak by giving away those very precious rights and privileges given to us by our founding fathers. The Patriot Act has stripped us of our rights and privacy.

Yet, we keep on living in our own dream, rose colored glasses intact, hoping things will improve. Wake up! Wake up, my friends. Unless we do, we will see all of our rights denied us. No more freedom of/from religion. No more right to privacy. No more right to a free press. Kiss them all goodbye.

Let us not only PRAY for relief that God might hear from Heaven and have mercy on us, but let us act! Use your vote wisely, for you have seen what can happen when it is taken away and the Supreme Court appoints a leader. Let this 4th of July, this Independence Day, signal a renewal of purpose to save this great nation. And celebrate the great nation that was...and will be again!

May God richly bless you this day.

CLG-B

One Dead Soldier

2006-06-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

My friends,

Yes, this is another war post. I post because my heart aches for these soldiers who are giving their lives for such an unjust war. So many lives lost. So many lives changed forever. Please visit this link:

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2006/06/nyt-iraq-war-ends-silently-for-one.html

It will truly touch your heart and give you a glimpse into the world of our brave soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This link is from AmericaBlog (http://americablog.blotspot.com)

God bless us all.

CLG-B

2006-06-16T02:30:00.000-07:00

Tony Snow, White House Press Secretary, says 2500 soldiers killed in Iraq is "just a number." If these brave men and women are "just a number" to this administration, what would compel them to stop the bloodshed?

My friends, NONE of these men and women are "just a number." That is so offensive to me that words are simply inadequate to describe it. And the number of Iraqis killed, some estimates are well over the 100,000 mark, are not "just a number." These are valued human beings. They are husbands, sons and fathers--wives, daughters and mothers.

These men and women, both American and Iraqi, will be emotionally and physically scarred for the rest of their lives. My partner was in Iraq. I see the scars every single day. And for our gay and lesbian soldiers, those scars run even deeper because of our government and nation's lack of gratitude for their selfless service.

No, they are not "just a number." I encourage you to contact your congressional representatives. Call the White House switchboard. Register your disgust of Tony Snow's description of the 2500 (and counting) brave soldiers who have given their lives for such an ego-driven cause.

They should be ashamed of themselves!

CLG-B

Opposing Civil Rights is Offensive!

2006-05-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Gentle Readers....

I am offended by those who would deny us our civil rights. Check out the link. (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060521/NEWS02/605210302/1009)

You see, June 6th we will have the opportunity to vote against using our Constitution as a club of discrimination. That is our opportunity to express our displeasure with the current movement among politicians to pander to the religious right. That is our opportunity to say to our elected leaders, "Enough is enough!" That is our opportunity to stop this train and secure civil rights for ourselves, our partners, and our children.

I am offended that my elected leaders would seek to demoralize me and minimalize me in the light of the Constitution. I am offended that anyone would tell me who I am, what I am, and whether I am a fit parent. I am offended that my partner, who served nearly 15 years in the military, is told she can die for her country, but she can't live for it and enjoy basic civil rights granted to heterosexuals--simply by virtue of whom she loves! My friends, I am offended. I am offended by religious leaders spewing hate in the guise of love. I am offended by political leaders who would use us as political footballs, pandering to the religious right. I am offended by an administration who, regardless of their moral failures, would impose their fake morality on others. I am offended by a system which would deny me more than 1000 civil rights simply because of whom I love; who I AM.

I am offended, my friends, and you should be, too!

I try not to be an alarmist, however this situation we face is in need of one who cries in the wilderness! All we have to do is read the history of Nazi Germany and open our eyes! The Jews. The homosexuals. The infirmed. The mentally ill. They were all put on trains to their death just because they were different.

Do you hear the rumble of the train's wheels? You should. If you fail to vote on June 6th (and exercise one of the few civil rights you have), you will certainly hear them. If our Constitution, state as well as federal, is used as a tool of discrimination to deny an entire segment of the population access to the very same civil liberties as others, we will hear the rumble of the wheels.

Take time to pray for our government and our leaders. Take time to write your congressional representatives and senators. Take time to sign petitions and walk the picket lines. Take time to stand up to self-righteous bigots at work who would belittle you and joke behind your back. Be offended!

And then take time to go to the polls on June 6th and vote against using YOUR Constitution as a battering ram; a document of discrimination toward an entire segment of our citizenry. If not, you will certainly begin to hear the train wheels rumble.

May God prick your heart to be involved. As one great person said, "All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."

CLG-B

Hurricane Katrina - Eight Months Later

2006-05-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all...

I wanted to share with you our latest excursion to the MS Gulf Coast. We had to go to the VA in Biloxi on Friday and since we had some time to spare in between appointments, I suggested we take a ride down Hwy. 90 (the Beach Rd.) between Biloxi and Gulfport. Now, mind you, it has been eight (count 'em--eight) months since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the MS Gulf Coast, with the eye of the storm bringing a direct hit on Bay St. ouis/Waveland.
While driving down the beach road, I was overwhelmed by what I saw. Eight
months later, the roadway is still a mess. Houses are either a pile of sticks or an empty slab. People are living in tents in driveways or trailers in the yards of houses which look like they were put through a confetti shredder. Some houses have been razed. That's good, I guess. But, overall, I didn't see that much progress.

Where are all those contractors? You know, the ones supposedly paid for by FEMA? And what about the crooked insurance companies that took everyones' premiums for years and years and then bailed when it looked like they were going to have to pay?

I know, I promised a spiritual journey throughout the whole Katrina nightmare. And I know I have shared my spirit with you. But, this is simply anger at how we can live in "America" and be in this position. I fail to understand why we pour money (which we don't really have, by the way) into other countries and wars, when our own people suffer.

I think that is the base of this indignation. America, as I knew it, no longer exists. We used to care about our people, provide for their needs. Now social security is virtually non-existent. We are in an illegal war of opportunity to split a sovreign nation and control their oil. We are threatening another sovreign nation so our (p)resident can feel "yeehaw" on the inside. Our people are starving. Our veterans are living in the streets, homeless after serving their country honorably and being failed by a VA health system which has been raped monetarily.

What is the answer? My heart cries out in desperation to God for deliverance. This must be how Moses felt when he saw the Children of God being broken by a perverse and evil king. This must be what Jesus felt when he wanted to gather Jerusalem to his bosom and provide them with comfort. I'm not saying I'm anything like Moses or Jesus. But I am one person with a broken heart toward all people on this planet. White. Black. Yellow. Red. Brown. Young. Old. Rich. Poor. It matters not.

As Christians we are called to care for our brother; to be our brother's keeper! How can we say that when we continue to support this kind of evil against the world by a government which is corrupt? Unless godly people stand up against the "religious" and begin to follow our call to care for the widows and orphans, heal the sick, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, we WILL NOT see the fullness of the glory of Almighty God. That is truth.

So, I say to those in authority: Get over yourselves and your egos. End this lawless war and return to those we have wronged that they may have their lives back. Take care of the people of America with tax relief and affordable healthcare. And bring relief to those in areas ravaged by natural disaster!

May God have mercy on us. Please continue to join me in prayer for the people along the Gulf Coast for relief from their struggle to survive. Please continue to join me in prayer that the truly godly would rise up in strength and bring the balm of the gospel to the hurting hearts and lives in our land. And please, please continue to pray for our administration that God would see our plight, hear our prayers, and bring us a deliverer--again.

May you truly understand the call to care.

CLG-B

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maitri/sets/72057594136777370/
If you're interested in seeing pictures, try this link.

Life Moves On

2006-05-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Gentle Readers...

Hello again. Yes, life moves on. I apologize for my tardiness in writing. And thanks to those of you who yanked my chain about sharing my journey with you, as promised.

I love this picture. When Patti was deployed to Iraq, we used Lilo and Stitch as our alter-egos. If you see Patti, you'll understand. She looks just like Lilo. Me? Yep, I'm an alien life form with six arms and legs, no coordination, and a knack for getting in trouble.

That being said, the journey continues to be interesting.

We've been through so much. First, Patti's deployment to Iraq which took her away from me for 15 months (and only a month into our relationship). Patti returned only to battle post-traumatic stress disorder. Then the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. No home. No jobs. All lost. So much to handle in such a short time!

And even though I feel the stress of our everyday lives, I still remain amazed at the provision of God. Just because one has faith, does not mean one doesn't feel the strain! I think it's just the opposite. I think we feel the stress and learn to overcome by the power of God working in us. If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth the struggle, right? What was it they said of baseball in A League of Their Own? "If it was easy, everyone would do it." Christianity isn't for sissies.

So we move on. We face each day with the hope of a future. We face each day knowing that we will not beg for bread. We face each day knowing that not only does our God care for us, but our friends and families do, also. And above all, we are grateful!

At the end of the day when we think about where we are and where we have come from, we still stand amazed in God's Presence. I think of my friends, even those who are Christians, who are falling apart because of Hurricane Katrina. So many have lost their homes and possessions, but they've also lost themselves! I've received cards and emails that are heart-wrenching. I wish I could reach through the lines and tell my friends of the goodness of God!

All of these stresses are nothing compared to the blessings of God; the Glory of God. So, I write this to remind myself that we are cradled in the Presence of God, blessed as a joint heir with the Son, protected by the Spirit. And life moves on.

I challenge you to look at the struggles in your life as temporal; threads in the tapestry of time that make up our lives. Remind yourself through the stresses you face that God continues to be in control and sing the old hymn, "It is Well With My Soul."

CLG-B

God's Timing

2006-03-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

Forgive my lack of posting. Let's just say it's been busy around here. I've been working extra hours at my "real" job. I'm not complaining, either. We need the added financial help. But, of course I got a flu bug which turned into my usual bronchitis and I've been feeling horrible. But thanks to modern medicine and my nifty doctor, I'm feeling close to 100% and ready to tackle the world again!

I come to this post with wonderful news and great praise to God. FEMA finally came through with some cash! Thank you, Lord! And just in the nick of time - -as is God's way. Let me review:

We have been using our friend Michael's truck. Both of our cars were completely demolished by the hurricane. Michael is in Afghanistan and left his truck in our care. Please understand that without Michael's truck, we would have (1) been stranded in the hurricane, (2) not been able to transport our "kids" (the furry creatures in our house) to safety, (3) not been able to find employment and get a new life started. Michael's generosity allowed us to move to safety and move forward with our lives.

That being said, we received a call from him stating he would be home in the next 3-4 weeks. Well, I lost my faith about then. I remember asking my partner Patti what we would do about getting to and from work. It's amazing how when one of us is facing a faith crisis, the other lifts us up. Patti was that for me. Just a couple of days later...

We receive a call from FEMA stating that they would be compensating us for some of our losses. Now, grant you, it wasn't a huge sum considering all that we lost. But it was enough to help us dig our way out of the hole we were in. I called an old friend, Curt, who sells cars (whom I know I can trust) and told him that we wanted two vehicles (two very specific vehicles) and had only so much to spend.

Curt said it was virtually impossible. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, Curt found a car that matched my desires perfectly. It was a dream! The next day, we went by the dealership and Curt had a truck for Patti which matched her desires perfectly! Curt's comment was, "You must be living right because I didn't thiink we'd be able to do this." I told Curt how God had carried us in the storm, cared for our needs afterward, and now has brought this to pass.

Throughout this ordeal, I've shared with you my ups and downs. The one thing that hasn't changed is our gratitude for all of the little things: people who gave us food and clothing, folks who donated time and money to help us, and even those who did not know us personally cared for us as if we were family.

This, I believe, is the corner we've been waiting to turn. When I look out on our little rental house and the two vehicles in the garage, I just can't believe we've come this far. I've always had two sayings that stuck with me:

"But God...." Because there is always a "but God" in everything that knocks us around in this life.

"An attitude of gratitude..." Because God responds to his children when they are appreciative of his help and guidance. It's that attitude that puts in motion God's blessings in our lives.

So I ask you today, where is the "but God" in your life? And how is your attitude? Continue to trust and God will bring to pass not only that which you need, but in many cases the things that you want.

May God richly bless you and may you find strength and courage to overcome the day. Oh and by the way, PRAISE GOD FOR HIS PROVISION! Woo-hoo!

CLG-B

Gratitude is great, but generosity is better

2006-01-31T09:15:00.000-08:00

Gentle readers...

I hope this time has been one of inspiration for you, as it has been for me. As you know from reading past posts, I have been overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude for all with which we have been blessed. Without the ongoing assistance of family and friends, we would have long been homeless and hungry. An "attitude of gratitude" is wonderful. But, this week my spirit was pricked with the idea that gratitude must give way to generosity.

This past Sunday, our regional elder was visiting our church. During one of his prayers, he prayed that we might allow our gratitude to compel us to generosity. How true! God doesn't simply bless us to have us hoard that which He gives. God blesses us that we may bless others, my friends.

For example, even though our funds were short it was not uncommon for people to come up to us and ask for money...$5 or $10. Now, I'm not one to just give money away. But, how odd that during this time of blessing we should have so many people asking for help? I say it was God teaching us that giving is better than receiving. And giving with gratitude for God's blessing and our ability to help is even better.

I've learned that, even though I must be wise in giving, I also must accept that it is up to God to sort out who is honest and who is a con artist. The Holy Spirit who lives inside us will teach us and lead us how to share that with which God has blessed. That's part of the Holy Spirit's job (for lack of a better word).

It never failed. God never failed. When I shared what small amount I had with others, God blessed even more! It's akin to the principle of tithing. Some would say they can't tithe or increase their offerings because the money just isn't there. I would challenge you that in honoring God by increasing your giving, even a small amount, you will find that God provides so much more than you give. I've seen it in my own life over and over again.

I'll give you an example: One Sunday we went to church with $5 in our pockets. That was all we had for groceries and gas that week; just $5. We took a step of faith and put it in the offering plate. Guess what happened next? A gentleman in our congregation turned around and handed each of us a $50 bill. That's $100, dear friends. God turned our $5 widow's mite into $100, which gave us food and gas for that week (and then some). As we continue to honor God's desire that we be generous, God blesses all the more.

I would challenge you today to find ways in which you can take the blessings of God and use them as opportunities for generosity. Not only does it honor God, but it frees your spirit to experience the wonder of a generous spirit.

Dear God, turn our hearts of gratitude to ones of generosity and in so doing bless the world around us.

CLG-B

Exciting Conference Opportunity

2006-01-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

I wanted to share with you a wonderful opportunity. Whosoever, an online ministry for gltbq folks is having a magnificent conference this year. I've posted the link so you can check it out. Also, below is the invitation from the editor:

Whosoever made history in 1996 by becoming the first online magazine for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians. Now, Whosoever is making history again, marking ten years as the premiere resource for millions of GLBT Christians seeking spiritual wholeness.

To celebrate that landmark, Whosoever will host a conference at Virginia Highland Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 14-15, 2006. The "Reaping the Spiritual Harvest" conference will feature many inspiring workshops and keynote speeches from Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign's faith and religion program and Candace Chellew-Hodge, founder of Whosoever Ministries, Inc. who now lives in Camden, SC and serves as the assistant pastor at Garden of Grace United Church in Columbia. Renowned lesbian Christian singer Marsha Stevens will give a special concert.

The "Reaping the Spiritual Harvest" conference will give GLBT Christians and their allies a chance to reap the benefits of this movement as they come together for a time of spiritual renewal and community building. Workshops will focus on such topics as spiritual self-defense, coming out to family and ways to reclaim the scripture as a source of joy and inspiration for GLBT Christians.

For more information about the conference, visit http://www.whosoever.org/conference or email Candace at editor@whosoever.org.

I hope all of you will take advantage of this opportunity. Whosoever has given me support for many years. I have been more than blessed by this ministry. It is my great pleasure and honor to recommend this conference and the Whosoever ministry to you. Check them out. And if you are able, register for the conference and join us in Atlanta for a wonderful time of revelation, worship and fellowship!

Many blessings,
CLG-B

New Years Resolutions...and other things....

2006-01-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, gentle readers....

The picture at the left is of a rushing river in Ireland. Many of you know that my family history is Celtic and I've been fascinated by all things Celtic lately. But while looking at this photo, I was reminded of how our lives are like a rushing river. Each year marches on without fail. Some months feel as though the river just crawls along. But in the final analysis, it is rushing by.

We have all been through so much this year. Personally, in our house we have faced the aftermath of my partner's deployment to Iraq, the constant fight with the Veterans' Administration over their responsibility to her, the fear of Hurricane Katrina and all of the stress of trying to overcome the losses from that storm, the loss of jobs and loved ones. The list goes on, as I'm sure it does for you.

But, just as the river rushes forward so do our lives. This is a new year with new promises and...new challenges. The cold, dark winter will eventually lead us to a bright, colorful springtime. We can be comforted in knowing that seasons of despair lead ultimately to seasons of joy and promise. We can be assured that above all things our God has our very best interests at heart and will never let us fall.

My partner and I have learned this lesson this year. Our God is bigger than any earthly difficulty we face. Our lives have truly become about "but God." In our humanity we struggle and triumph, as well as struggle and fail. "But God" in the spirit realm works for our good in all things. Our needs have been met this year in ways of which we could never dream. God has used people we didn't know to meet needs we had...and always at the time they were needed! Just this month, one of our customers at work called and asked to speak to the girl from Bay St. Louis. When I identified myself, they asked how long I would be working that day (it was Christmas Eve). They said to wait for them and they would be there shortly. Two wonderful folks walked in and handed me a Christmas card with a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart/Sam's Club. These are people completely unknown to me, but well-known to God. Their obedience provided us food and gas for the last week of December when we didn't know where to turn.

These incidences occured all these months. To show you all of them would take pages and pages. My point is that God knows us. God knows what this year will bring, both good and not so good. When we submit ourselves to Him, He works on our behalf to meet all of our needs. Remember the scripture that says, "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19)

My dear friends, you can know in your heart (as I do in mine) that regardless of what you face in 2006, whether good or challenging, God will be your strength and your provider. So go forward into this year with great confidence. The river will continue to rush, but God will be the guide through the rapids!

May God richly bless you this year. I thank you for reading and sharing time with me through this blog. You have honored me with your time and your comments. I am looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you.

CLG-B

Whatever Happened to Christmas?

2005-12-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Gentle Readers...

Christmas devotionals are difficult for me. That must sound strange coming from one of faith. I don't think I'm the only one, though. There are a number of us out here that struggle during the holidays.

I work a part-time retail job. Anyone who has done this can tell you we are on the front lines of the holiday humbug. It begins with militant christians, not unlike the Inquisitors, who are offended when I offer "happy holidays." I get the lecture on how people like me are removing Jesus from everything in this world including Christmas. These are the folks who should have the greatest joy, yet they are sour, frustrated, and unpleasant. And they really can affect your mood in great numbers. (I live in the south...there are great numbers.)

I offer "happy holidays" because I want to be sensitive to another's faith walk. Nothing says I have to agree with their spiritual choices. I simply want to respect them. There is nothing that turns people off more quickly than to have another's religion pushed down their throats. And if there's one thing about Christians down through the ages, we've been really good at pushing our beliefs down the throats of others! All of that hassle tends to leave me with a bit of a humbug problem.

And we all know those who are simply depressed during the holidays. Psychiatry always comes up with great names and acronyms for this stuff. What it all means is that you are yucky. It may relate to your childhood experiences. It may relate to experiences as an adult. You may just plain old fight depression and this is the season it's at its worst. Who knows? Either way, you get really good at the "happy holidays" fake smile. Inside you're wishing the world would go away and leave you alone.

But, when we take all of this and melt it down, what is left is our faith. For those of us who are Christian, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. For the Wiccan or Neo Pagan, they celebrate the solstice, the longest and darkest night of the winter season. Our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate Hanukkah, a festival of lights showing God's protection for His chosen people.

None of the external matters. The depression. The nasty people in the checkout line at the store. The staunch fundamentalists who would insist you worship their way or else. None of it matters.

What matters is our worship. What matters is our love for our brothers and sisters in this world. What will you do this season? Will you give in to the humbug attitude? Or will you choose to worship and honor the Jesus we as Christians accept as our salvation?

I encourage you to take time. Take time Christmas Eve to think upon the impending birth of Jesus. What must Mary and Joseph have thought? How did God the Father feel when peering over Heaven's edge to see His Son enter the world in such a manner? And on Christmas Day, rejoice with Mary and Joseph as they hold the Savior, a little baby. Remember in your own heart of hearts what this season of celebration means to you personally.

I encourage you to take that joy and share it throughout next year. May your Christmas be filled with thoughts of helping those less fortunate, for it is in giving that we receive. Really, isn't that what Jesus did for us?

Blessings,
CLG-B

PS: Remember in prayer those on the Gulf Coast who have lost so much this year. Many will be sharing their Christmas huddled in tents and eating at soup kitchens. Many will have no Christmas at all. Let us not forget these our brothers and sisters during this holiday season.

Simplicity

2005-12-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Gentle Readers....
There is a blog that I read regularly, Gratefulness.Org(http://www.gratefulness.org/t/simple.htm) which has an excellent writing on simplicity. In reading the article, I was struck by the thought of a life of gratefulness truly being a life of simplicity. I don't think that has ever crossed my mind before and it brought a revelation to my spirit!

The writer notes that by the time we reach kindergarten, we have been bombarded by and soaked up thousands upon thousands of advertisements. Of course, this must affect our daily lives. Just think of the kids (even adults) around us who have the “gimme” attitude! We go through life, thanks to this “gimme” attitude, always dissatisfied and seeking after the next big thing, the next big thrill. We don't allow ourselves to enjoy the simple things that God brings into our lives: a hummingbird outside our window, dew on the morning grass, the amazing hues in the sky at sunset! So many simple things with which God has blessed that can inspire and encourage our spirit to appreciate the awesomeness of God.

Even in our churches, we are seeking the next special singer, guest preacher, or new program. And, even so, God continues to woo us to Himself through the simplicity of the service, the speaker or the communion table. Yet we leave the church and go back to our work-a-day world without having experienced the change that simplicity brings, without having worshiped in spirit and truth.

How can we experience simplicity? We experience simplicity in gratefulness. An attitude of gratitude should be the way of our lives. When we experience gratitude for those wonderful, simple things with which we are blessed, the difficulties and trials we face fade in the Light of His glory! We get a glimpse of God and His handiwork. When we are able to see God in His creation we will be ready and able to see even more of His wonder. We will no longer operate in the “gimme.” We will find we experience God in ALL of His creation: the wind in the trees, the snow on the mountains, the cry of the eagle, the crashing of the ocean on the shore, the embrace of a dear friend, the waves of joy and sorrow and the rebirth of joy in our lives!

Some would say that this takes the focus off God and onto His creation. Let us remember that God made all things for our benefit because He loved us. We have gotten so far away from true worship! We think our piety will show our gratitude. No, my friends. We show our worship in the simplicity of gratitude for ALL with which God has blessed. That includes His creation.

I would encourage you today to ask God to show you the simplicity and wonder of His creation. You will be surprised at the joy you experience. And you will be equally amazed at how the things that normally pull you away from the Spirit of God have no affect on you. You become focused on God and His wonder. Anything else becomes as a buzzing fly around your consciousness...and even that fly is a simply reminder of the wonder of God!

May you be richly blessed this day as you contemplate the gratitude found in simplicity!

CLG-B

Drumming my fingers impatiently...

2005-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

It's good to share with you again. I've been waiting. Do you ever have to wait for things? I think it's one of the more frustrating lessons we learn in life. But, does waiting mean you just sit and do nothing?

I knew of someone many years back who needed something from God. She would go into her closet (literally into her closet)...and wait. I remember asking her what was she doing about her needs. She said, "Waiting on God." She would literally just sit there, pray some, and wait. I never quite understood why, if she had a need, she didn't put some action to her prayers. Was her expectation that God would show up as a bolt of lightening in that closet and "poof" her need be met?

Prayer requires action. Waiting requires action. They are both verbs. If we are simply going to sit around and drum our fingers, twiddle our thumbs, and wait, we may never see the answer to our needs. If you need a job, are you looking for one? If you need financial stability, are you taking the steps necessary to reach that goal? Or are you just waiting and doing nothing, expecting God to just dump something in your lap?

Right now, we need jobs and we need finances. We are sending resumes, reading the papers, cold-contacting businesses in the Yellow Pages, sending emails and thank you cards to those who have given us an interview. And we are waiting on God.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "...those who hope in (wait on) the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

If we are waiting, are we soaring? Are we running? Are we walking with strength? The Bible is very clear here that we are to be busy while we wait. That flies in the face of everything we've been taught in the church, doesn't it? We've been told that we are to wait patiently and that waiting implies inactivity while waiting on God to do something miraculous. I think this is incorrect.

God wants us to walk out our faith. Should we just sit here and wait for God to drop a job in our laps? No. We are to put feet to our faith. We are to be active in doing what God would have us to do while we wait. The thought that we are entitled to anything is incorrect. Anything we receive is because of God's grace. That includes the solution to our challenges and learning to wait.

So, my friends, I am here to tell you that God is never late. We may not like the timing. But He is never late. The challenges in our lives are there so that God can show His glory through our lives. And, we know that as this month goes on, our needs will be met.

Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

God will meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus! We have no need to fret. Worry never added a day to anyone's life. But we do have an opportunity for God to show his wonder and might through our need.

Today, when you are thinking about that thing for which you are waiting on God, remember to act on it. Pray about it. Take action. Actively wait on God!

May God bless you richly this day and may you know the fullness of His presence in your life.

CLG-B

Spirit and Humanity

2005-10-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Gentle Readers,

I have been reflecting on my experiences over the past weeks. They have been both full of gratitude and faith…and punctuated by moments of despair and feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances. But does this human journey of despair and concern overshadow or negate our trust and faith in our God? Does being thankful and full of faith mean that we experience no human emotion? I don’t think so.

You know by reading my posts, I believe in “but God.” I think that the “but God” ultimate core belief is the stuff of which faith is made. Just because we have moments of despair does not make us less fit for the Kingdom. Consider Jesus.

How often was Jesus discouraged? Did he not call out to his Father and ask for another way to fulfill what he was called to do? In Luke 22:42, Jesus was praying because he was overwhelmed by the circumstances. He well understood what was to take place in his earthly life and his humanness came to the forefront. Jesus wasn’t afraid to be honest with his Father. He wasn’t all “happy, happy, joy, joy.” And he knew that his human response to the coming sacrifice wasn’t an affront to God. What was his ultimate response? “Yet I want your will, not mine.” Jesus submitted his humanity to God’s Spirit. His submission brought about the victory. But his humanity was not sinful or offensive to God.

I am concerned that we, as the Church, have created an atmosphere that doesn’t allow for human weakness or failure. I hear us saying, “Praise the Lord,” because it is acceptable and expected. We don’t, however, express our honest humanity by saying, “Oh, God how can I cope?” Have we created a place where, unless one expresses superhuman joy and faith all the time, we look down upon and condemn others as less holy or a failure in their faith walk?

We must remember that God, in His infinite wisdom, made us human. But God also put within us His Spirit! That combination of humanity and Spirit is what gives us both the humanity to fail and the faith to overcome; to see ourselves and others as God sees us.

Even though we are spirit, we are also human. The Spirit strives to be like God; full of faith and holy character. But we are human. We will fail. We will hurt others, albeit without meaning to do so. We won’t always get our prayers answered the way we expect or desire.

But God…

God says we are a holy people, chosen by God.* Therefore, allow for humanity. Let us not judge another’s faith walk. Let us not presume to know what is in a person’s heart. But, let us be the hand of God that reaches, encourages, and lifts others up, knowing that we all have our humanity. That allows us to be transparent before our God! That allows us to have a deep, abiding relationship with our God.

So, in conclusion, today take some time to look beyond a fault or failure and encourage someone in your life. Love and support them, and in so doing be the hand of God in your world. Be that royal priest called by God to show acceptance…not rejection.

May God richly bless you this day and may you experience the wonderful overcoming power of the Holy Spirit as you seek to be like God.

CLG-B

* I Peter 2:9-10 “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you---from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.” The Message Remix

Lessons in Humility

2005-10-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers,

It has been a couple of whirlwind weeks. Again we were told by one of the insurance companies that we are not covered. That was the last one with which we were to meet. Now we try for loans and grants. I must admit that the process is daunting...and frustrating.

We learned a lesson in humility this week. On Friday, after we met with the insurance adjuster, two of our dear friends joined us. I felt terrible for my friend. He had stored some items in our home and they were destroyed by the hurricane. He was so kind, though. After we went through and packed these items, we went to the charity tents. Yep, you heard correctly. The charity tents. Under these tents were clothing, food, supplies and a cafeteria.

I was somewhat embarrassed by having to do that. To be at the mercy of another is a most humbling experience. First we went through the clothing tent. There were two ladies at the entrance hugging and giving comfort to all who entered regardless of ethnicity, religion...or sexual orientation. Their embraces were genuine and full of concern. If you've never lost so much and had to rely on the goodness of others, you cannot imagine what that concern meant to us.

After the clothing tent was the food and supplies tent. The line was incredibly long. The lady in front of us had her mother and her son. The son was fighting heat exhaustion. Along the way there were coolers that had ice and water. We drank it gratefully. We also poured that cold water on the woman's son, trying to help him to feel better. Wherever we went, the lines seemed to go on forever and people were hot and tired. Some shared stories of their losses. Some just stood in line with blank expressions...shell-shocked by the tragedy.

The money running low, we thankfully went through the food and supplies tent. We were grateful for everything that people had donated and for the gentle people who served us with joy and gladness. In the light of such tragedy, here were people of every shape and color imaginable all coming together to share their lives and their provisions.

I would learn more about this wonderful group of Christians. The organizers are Christian Life Church in Baldwin County, Alabama. They, themselves, have been the victims of horrific hurricanes. They have committed to serving the people of Bay St. Louis and Waveland for an entire year. I was amazed at this! The people in the tents were from all over the country. The two ladies who gave us such a warm welcome and blessing at the clothing tent were from Illinois.

All I could think of while standing in the lines was how truly this was the Church. This, as Christians, is what we are all called to do: clothe, feed, and care for those who are in need. Trust me, not everyone who went through those lines shared a belief in Jesus as Savior. But what an amazing witness to that small community of the love of Christ, expressed in the hugs and supplies of His people.

Yes, I was humbled to go through those lines. But, I was also encouraged! As always, with me there is a "but, God..." This lesson's "but, God..." spoke volumes over my embarrassment and humility. This lesson was in showing the true Light of the World through a simple embrace, a kind word, or something as elementary as a cold bottle of water.

Thank God for people like these! Please remember them in your prayers as you remember those who still struggle to recover from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.

May God bless you richly this day. May you show the world the love of Christ in all you say and do.

CLG-B

God's Grace in the Storm

2005-10-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Hello, Gentle Readers…

It is good to be back with you again. Thankfully, the cable installer has visited us and I am online and ready to spend some time with you again. I have missed our time together. But, apparently, God had some other plans for us. And that’s okay. We certainly learn more when our faith is tested, right?

I have learned volumes during this trying time. Only time will tell the lessons learned and how to express them to you. I’m not much for the preaching of those who give lessons they do not learn, nor follow. So, here we are at the brink of new discovery.

We left our home in Bay St. Louis, MS on August 29, 2005, knowing in our hearts we would not be able to return. It was a very sinking feeling. The truck loaned to us by a friend in the military was full of our “kids” (read furry, four-legged kind), whatever we could snap up in just an hour, and we were on the road to Mobile.

Without the love of our pastor and church, we would have stayed in our home during the storm and could have been hurt or killed. But, our wise pastor lovingly “encouraged” us to head for Alabama. He gave us shelter and food for three weeks while we tried to find financial assistance and a place to live. We had two duffle bags of clothes, personal papers, a couple of our Bibles, my guitars, and our “kids.” That was it. Our 40+ years of living zippered into two duffles.

We went back to Bay St. Louis a week after the storm to find our house had been saturated by 2 feet of raw sewage. It was pungent, to say the least. We were able to save some clothes and a few other items, but nothing of significance as all was full of mold. Mold is now climbing the walls, about 4’ high. Insurance (why do we pay them?) says it’s “flood damage” and we’re not covered. What a mess.

But God…

You know by now that with me there is always a “but God.” Our Heavenly Father has been so gracious to us. We have had people we barely know, and others we simply didn’t know but knew of us, give us amazing financial blessings. Other people gave us furniture, bedding, linens, a washer and dryer! There seems to be no end to the blessings of God! And I truly, truly believe that the blessings are there because we are gracious in receiving them. We are not owed anything, but by God’s amazing grace we are given all we need.

I could tell you stories of how blessing after blessing overwhelmed us. I could tell you of the friend who thought of our “kids” and blessed them with a Petsmart gift card. I could tell you of two friends who simply gave us a washer and dryer. I could share with you of the woman who sent us a laptop; her first and much-loved computer. Over and over the blessings keep coming. And we are humbled by the generosity of others and the compassion of our Lord.

We are now in prayer about employment. It will be necessary for me to obtain secular employment for a bit. I am looking forward to new challenges. Both my partner and I have interviews on Thursday, October 13, 2005. Please join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance in obtaining the employment God has for us. We know that God has already made a place for us. It is our task, and joy, to find what that path is.

To our friends, thank you for your prayers. Certainly, we have felt every one of them during this tragedy. Continue to remember those who are displaced and discouraged by both Katrina and Rita. There has been so much lost. And if you are able to help, please do so. Obviously, relief efforts need assistance. But remember that prayer is your greatest gift of all.

I am looking forward to sharing more of my life lessons with you. I hope you will join me again on this path of learning. God is our Teacher and we are His students.

May God richly bless you this day. May you know the fullness of His grace and the joy of His salvation.

CLG-B

I'm B A A A C C C K K K

2005-10-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all!!!

I am pleased to say I am finally back online!! The cable folks finally sent us two techs who were hard workers and problem solvers. So...hopefully I will have a new blog up in a couple of days.

In the meantime, know you are loved by God and inhabited by the Holy Spirit, and forgiven through the blood of Jesus!

New Beginnings

2005-09-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, Gentle Readers…

How often does our God bring New Beginnings? All through our Scriptures, there is testimony after testimony of God bringing His children through difficulties to New Beginnings.

Monday and Wednesday, my partner and I traveled to Biloxi for appointments. The trip took twice as long because of hurricane reconstruction and closed roads. While driving through the coastal towns, we were overwhelmed at the sheer force of “mother nature” and the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

When we reached Biloxi, nothing could have prepared me for what we saw. Homes simply flattened: nothing remaining but a roof over a pile of rubble. Downed trees and power lines were everywhere. Rows upon rows of tent cities dotted the remaining landscape. Wal-Mart parking lots were turned into relief areas full of military personnel and more tents. Simply put, nothing of Biloxi remained from the beachfront to about a half mile from the Gulf. Houses on the inland waterfront were shells. Boats were perched in trees! Cars were piled one atop the other. Completely overwhelming!

But God….

You know there’s always a “but God.”

I began to notice that, even though it’s been four weeks since the hurricane and it still looks like a war zone, there were new leaves on the trees. They were that wonderful light green of spring. There were buds and new flowers blooming everywhere; beautiful, bright and encouraging. It was as if God was saying, “I am doing a new thing.”

The people, exhausted but so resilient, were in their yards cleaning up storm damage. Everyone was chatting with their neighbors. There was a new spirit of cooperation and friendliness. Neighbor helping neighbor; whether it was cleaning the storm damage or sharing a cup of coffee brewed on a pile of sticks and tree limbs.

The initial feeling of being overwhelmed with grief was replaced with joy! How could I possibly experience joy in this place? But, I was doing just that.

What the Spirit spoke to my heart that day was a simple phrase, “New Beginnings.” Out of the ashes comes new life. Out of the fury of the storm comes calm. And out of our tragedy comes a new found concern for others. Just like the trees and flowers, new life is coming to the Gulf Coast…all the way from Mobile to New Orleans.

Wait and watch with me and rejoice at the New Beginnings of the Lord.

May God richly bless you this day and cause you to see joy in the overwhelming difficulties of life.

CLG-B

An Attitude of Gratitude

2005-09-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends...

I must share with you how God has met our every need during the aftermath of Katrina. We now have a wonderful little rental home! All of the "kids" are with us, which is such a blessing in itself. The kitties and doggy are beside themselves with joy to have us all in one place.

Here is the point I want to make: We MUST have an attitude of gratitude. It is that attitude, that spiritual character, which opens the windows of blessing on God's children. If you had told me that Patti and I would lose our home and most everything that was in it, I would have told you that you were nuts. But, here we are. The home is disgusting and filled with sewage and mold. Who knows how long until the insurance settles and repairs are done. Quite honestly, there's nothing to go back to. Most all jobs are lost. Most folks in our area are living under sagging carports or tarps and tents. The scene is depressing and devastating all at the same time.

But God....

And there is always...But God!

God has, through his people, provided for all of our needs. We have a home. We are well fed. We are blessed with transportation. God is slowly replacing the things we lost.

I would suggest that it is our attitude that opens the windows of God's blessing. I challenge you today to open your heart. Take a moment to write down your blessings and thank God for every single one of them. You might find that your attitude changes and you are overcome by the many, many blessings of our God!

May God richly bless you this day!
CLG-B

We're okay and blessed

2005-09-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let you know we are okay and blessed. We move into our new home today! I'll write more as I am able.

Blessings,
Cindi

Hurricane Katrina--Part 2

2005-09-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

Short post to let you all know we are safe. Thanks to the generosity of our pastor and church, we are staying in the parsonage in Mobile. All is lost at the house. It is 1-2' full of raw sewage. We escaped with a few personal items, the "kids," and some clothes. But God is good. We are blessed to be alive. We continue to pray for you, our dear friends. And we continue to pray for the families of those who were lost or are still missing, as well as other victims of this horrible storm. We know that God is a good god and is able to meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus. Our faith is strong and we are rejoicing that we are alive and able to continue God's work.

Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and the many gifts we have received. We will be back in touch as quickly as we are able.

Blessings,
Cindi

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

My friends,
I was planning on putting up a new blog entry today, but Hurricane Katrina has put my plans on hold. We are battening down the hatches and securing our property. We are, at this projection, about 45 miles east of the storm center. We covet your prayers of protection during the storm. And we will be back in touch as soon as we are able.

Many blessings,
Cindi

Liar

2005-08-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers…

I was recently chastised by another blog writer for my focus on the love of God. It is his contention that sin and judgment are the cornerstone of Christianity. I beg to differ. It is God’s love that compels us to follow Him. And it is that love which we bring to a downtrodden world. To love God is to love others.

I John 4:21 “And he has given us this command: Whosoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Whosoever loves God must also love his brother (or sister). The language here is very firm. The Apostle is trying to show the followers of Jesus that love is supreme. One could not, nor cannot abide divisions and a judgmental spirit in the Body.

Look at the verses in context. I John 4:16-17 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." I John 4:19-20 “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

You may respond that you DO love your brother and you DO love God. I would challenge you to reexamine that. When God put that mirror of the Spirit up to my heart, I certainly had to do so.

That challenge to my heart caused me to reevaluate how I treated others. I found myself shying away from the homeless. They’re unkempt, often mentally ill, and a challenge to my senses and selflessness. I have had to admit to avoiding some young people because they express themselves in ways I find disconcerting. For example, my partner and I often hang out at the bookstore. There are gangs of young people dressed in goth gear. Quite honestly, they scare me. How silly is that? I avoid talking to them because of that fear and judgment in my heart. Do I love God? Do I trust God? Or not?

Those are just two of the groups that the Lord pointed out. Trust me, there were others. But I share these with you so that you will look inside your own heart; the dark corners where you hide things from your own self. We all have those places.

The Apostle says that if we show no love toward another, we show we do not know God. It’s that simple. Now when I walk by that person who is homeless, I am responsible for sharing the love of God. How? Give a word of encouragement. Buy a hamburger. Give a bible! Show love…the love of God to all men and women.

One cannot continue to quote the often misused phrase (and in my opinion a very unchristlike one), “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” It doesn’t work that way. You say that God hates sin, therefore this is valid. I say it is not. The emphasis is on the wrong thing. God didn’t hate SIN so much that He sent His Son. God LOVED His creation so much that He sent His Son! Big difference.

I would challenge you today to ask God to show you where you are failing in this area. To whom do you fail to show the love of God in your every day lives? I can promise you it will be an eye-opener…and it will prick your spirit and your conscience.

May you fully understand the love and grace of God this day. And may you share it with someone else with compassion.

Blessings,CLG-B

Prayer for our courageous soldiers

2005-08-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Curses!

2005-08-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers...

I have placed a link to an article on The Epistle, (http://epistle.us/articles/sticksstones.html) a webzine which I frequently read. It was written by Edrick and I know you will be as touched by it as I was.

Along that theme, I have been considering the idea of curses. In James, the writer talks about how blessings and cursings shouldn't come from the same tongue. In other words, how can we bless God at one moment and curse his creation at another? The writer in James 3 gives a number of examples; fresh and brackish water from the same stream, a fig tree bearing olives, or a grapevine bearing figs. We have been taught that one reaps what one sows. Galatians 6:7 says this plainly.

We cannot bless God and then curse his creation.

Let's look at James 3 together. "(5) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts...(6) The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell...(8) but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison..(9) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. (10) Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers this should not be."

Why does the writer use the phrase, "set on fire?" It is there to emphasize the incredible power we have simply by speaking, to bring destruction to our lives and the lives of those around us. Consider Ephesians 1:19 where the writer says that we have the same power living in us that raised Jesus from the dead! And not only is there the power that raised Jesus from the dead, but the same power that lifted Jesus up to his place of authority and dominion over all creation! It would stand to reason then, if we have that power living within us, the words we speak will also have great power.

Consider this: You're driving along and you have a christian CD on or the local christian radio station. You are praising God and singing with the tunes. It's a good day, right? Now a driver pulls in front of you causing you to slam on your brakes. You screech to a halt just before you plow into him. What are you saying and thinking now? Are you still praising God? Or are you cursing the driver who almost caused you to wreck your vehicle?

Out of the same mouth come blessings and cursings. God says that's not the way it's supposed to be. Have you done it? I have. Immediately I am convicted of it, too. Thankfully, there is the sacrifice of Jesus and the grace of God to bring immediate forgiveness and healing from my shame. But we all do it...praise God and then curse His creation. (Ephesians 1:19)

I would challenge you today to keep a watch on what you say. Are you cursing God's creation or are you blessing both God and His creation? It's a moment by moment vigil to keep ourselves obedient. Every morning let's begin our day with a prayer that we will glorify God and edify our earthly brothers and sisters with what we say...and not curse them by our negative, hurtful, harmful comments.

May God richly bless you this day!
CLG-B

Depart from me...

2005-07-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers.

As you can tell from past blogs, God has been dealing with my heart on the subject of LOVE. My partner and I were on our way to work, and a very simple verse came to me with such power and presence. As we shared our thoughts, I felt God speaking. Consider this with me.

Matthew 7:21-23 says, "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But, I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.'" NLT

Jesus summarized the Commandments in Matthew 22:37-40, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." NLT

How does that speak to us today? Very simply but very deeply: It's all about LOVE. Jesus very plainly said we can do all sorts of great things; prophesy, deliverance, miracles. But only one thing truly matters. Do you LOVE? If God tells us to LOVE, are we in obedience? I dare say that not many of us walk that walk of faith with consistency. We are so busy doing that we fail to LOVE.

So, what is being the LOVE of God in another's life? On the short list would be things like listening and caring, avoiding gossip and vile talk, even providing food and shelter to one in need. Are we the good Samaritan? (Luke 10:30-36) Or are we the priest and the Levite? Interesting how often Jesus used the religious leaders of the day to show us how not to be. The priest passed by on the other side of the road. The Levite passed by on the other side. But the Samaritan had mercy on the man who was robbed, or was heartbroken over his condition. The Samaritan went directly to the injured man, bound his wounds, and then carried him on his own donkey to a place where he could be properly taken care of. Not only did he pre-pay the inn keeper for his trouble, but promised to pay anything over and above that the inn keeper had to pay out!

In v36, Jesus asked those listening, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law responds in v37, "The one who had mercy on him." And Jesus replies, "Go and do likewise."

It stands to reason that if we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, that the whole world is our neighborhood and deserves our very best. It's not good enough to say to someone who is hungry, "Peace be with you. Be well." We must step outside of our own selves and feed the hungry. That is LOVE. It is not good enough to say to someone without a job, "Peace be with you." Help them find the job that God has for them. And if you are a business owner, give them a job! That is LOVE. It is not good enough to say to someone who is homeless, "Peace be with you." Open your home to them. Pay for an apartment if you are able. Don't just wish people well. Be the answer to their prayers! Be God's LOVE in their life!

This is the commitment that God requires of us as Christians. It's all about the LOVE. You can have all the spiritual gifts in the world, but if you don't have love you're just so much noise.
(I Cor. 13:1-3) You can preach the best sermons on the earth, but if you don't have love, you are voiceless. Jesus said that all humankind will know that we are his disciples if....we pray a lot?...we give our tithe?...we sing really well in worship?...go on visitation every Tuesday night? No. A thousand times no. Jesus said that all humankind will know we are his disciples by our LOVE! John 13:34-35 says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

That pretty much sums it all up, doesn't it? We can only claim to be his disciples if we show love to one another. How's your "love level" today? Have you passed by on the other side of a hurting and needy world? Or are you the one who will stop and meet the needs of those God puts in your path?

May God bless you richly this day.

CLG-B

Persecution Complex?

2005-07-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hello gentle readers,

Recently I was reading Luke 6:22-23 which says, "Blessed are you when others hate you, when they exclude you, and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets."

During the verses before and following, Jesus is teaching. All of the people from surrounding areas were bringing their sick and oppressed to be healed by him. During this, Jesus turns to his disciples to teach them a special lesson. In the midst of this, Jesus gives the above. He says that those who are persecuted and marginalized for his sake, will be blessed and receive a heavenly reward.

That made me think about all of the times I've just labeled something I've gone through as persecution and skipped along thinking I was blessed and rewarded.

Am I truly persecuted for Christ, or am I simply offensive in my witness? To be persecuted for Christ means one must actually be living for him. Pseudo-religion doesn't get it. Living for Christ requires complete selflessness and love. If we are mistreated, it is often in response to our lack of love. I have never seen someone mistreated for being the love of Christ in this world! But, I have most certainly seen well-meaning Christians mistake judgment for love and bring upon themselves ill-treatment.

It's not about a persecution complex! If we fail to show the true love and acceptance of God, it is not blessed.

Many years ago, I worked with a young woman who walked out in her life the love of God. She walked the walk. Always. I know she did because I watched her diligently for failure. I couldn't believe anyone could have that loving spirit on the inside. But she did. Every day. She was a strong witness to me of how Christ loved the world. And to this day, when I have unloving moments in my life, Lynn's walk with the Lord comes back to me as a witness...30 years afterward! Don't ever think that what you say or do won't affect folks in the long-term. It will.

Was this woman persecuted? No. There was no need because she showed the love of God to everyone with whom she had contact. Was she misunderstood? Definitely! She loved everyone and was always kind and courteous. There was no doubt whose she was and why she was that way. She witnessed to the love of God every single day we worked together. Jesus literally beamed through her to everyone around her.

So, if we are not seeing a positive response to our witness, maybe we should start to check our "love level." We live in a world full of people who are desperately seeking peace, love and personal acceptance. Let's take the time to check our "love level" and reach a hurting world for Jesus!

May God richly bless you this day! Love someone for God today...

CLG-B

Motives

2005-07-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers...

It's been some time since we shared with each other. My mind and spirit have been so busy with a myriad of thoughts and prayers. I have felt overwhelmed by the mean-spirited talk between ministries and social groups. There are times when I think I am the only person who sees past the veil of self-promotion into the heart of God. (Yes, I know that's not true. And I say it not to seem haughty, but to let you understand my brokenness over how we act toward one another.)

In Philippians, Paul talks of others jumping into ministry positions after he was put in jail. He says, "How am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!" (The Message/Remix)

I realize that Paul is speaking of specific happenings, but I wonder if it is applicable today. How often do we criticize others' walks of faith or preaching? Quite often, actually. We all seem to think we are the "chosen", the one with the answer. We all read our bibles differently. We all have our own interpretation of what each scripture means.

There are groups and denominations who teach that, unless you conform to their image of what the christ-life is, you will be eternally damned. Why can we not accept each others' teachings and be thankful that Christ is preached? Instead of picking each other apart for our differences, why can we not cheer each other on for our similarities?

When all is brought to its primary thought, isn't it really about reaching the world with the Gospel? Is it really about who thinks women should keep silent? Is it really about who speaks in tongues and who does not? Is it really about whether the wine and bread literally transform into the body and blood at communion?

I say it is not! It is about bringing God to man. It is about being a conduit through whom others can find their way in a difficult world. Paul says that regardless of the others' motives, he cheers them on because he knows that the Gospel is being brought to the people! I think this is a strong lesson for us. We should cheer on our brothers and sisters who seek to show God to the world, regardless of their motives. You see, in reality, we are but planters in this vineyard. It is the Spirit of God who brings to fruition the labor we offer. It isn't because of our own goodness, or our own motives, but because of the Holy Spirit of the One God, in the Message of Jesus.

So, today let us examine our own motives. Let us commit to be an encourager of others and not a criticizer or complainer. When you meet someone today who seeks to bring the Gospel to others, don't argue over doctrine or dogma. Agree to encourage each other in showing the love of Christ to the world around you. You will find that your harvest increases because you are operating in the Spirit of the One God, and that is a position of blessing!

May God richly bless you this day as you seek to bring the Message of Jesus to a world full of confusion and strife.

CLG-B

Breakthrough Prayer

2005-06-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Dear gentle readers,

I have been reading a book by Jim Cymbala, "Breakthrough Prayer." Now, understand that I am becoming more and more a seeker of truth. I am not satisfied with the platitudes of our staid religious leadership. Just as the Pharisees of earlier times were so concerned with the laws they prescribed, so our modern day leadership seems to be. Unfortunately, the Pharisees turned this into a legalistic system of laws and requirements that stifled spiritual growth and understanding. This is what I see happening over and over again. Our religious leaders have lost their focus. They are claiming authority where they have none and turning the personal nature of a relationship with God to a set of rules and regulations!

You ask what this has to do with breakthrough prayer? Just as Cymbala states in his book, I believe that the deliverance movement we see around us has produced a generation of people who lack true compassion and do not have the humility of spirit that would weep over their own weaknesses. This focus on other people and their failings has caused us to not consider our own. We, with malice, point out the log in another's eye without first throwing away the beam in our own. It has caused us to wait for the next prayer line, the next preacher, the next "word"...and not driven us to our knees personally before the Lord.

To immerse ourselves in the spirit of prayer, especially for personal guidance, is a lost art. We run here and there wanting a "word" from someone else, never learning to truly listen to the Holy Spirit and respond to His call. These are Christians who continue to do whatever they think (or more often feel) is best and then ask God to bless the effort. We "claim" authority and "call in" the blessings, without sincerely knowing that which God has ordained! And we take it upon ourselves to put that bondage on others, as well.

There are myriad promises in our Bibles which can only flow into our lives when we appropriate them through deep, personal prayer. Consider Jesus in the garden. He was torn to the soul on the inside and cried out in his pain to his Heavenly Father. It was this personal relationship which gave him the strength to carry out God's plan.

So what is the heart of breakthrough prayer? First, it is intimacy with God that allows us to see His plan for us, every moment of every day. Second, it is the confidence that comes from that relationship which allows us to enter the Presence of the Almighty.

The two go hand in hand. Intimacy brings confidence. Confidence brings intimacy.

Breakthrough comes from confidence in God! Breakthrough is not speaking arrogant authority. The idea that we can command God to do something is just not so. We must know the plan before we can execute the play. Christians today go around "claiming" things that were never promised. We "claim" things that God never ordained to be. In so doing, we ignore the spiritual power available to us in Jesus, and deny the world of great grace.

This is not faith! Faith is knowing God's plan and trusting Him to bring about what He has promised regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. That, my dear readers, is faith! That requires a heart of prayer. That prayer is what brings about breakthrough!

George Mueller says, "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of God's willingness." How true! When we pray, we must do so with the confident assurance that we know and pray God's will. We cannot know and pray God's will without knowing God intimately!

And how do we gain that power in prayer? Through the wisdom, knowledge and insight found in the Bible. Have you ever prayed the words of the Bible back to God? When we don't know what to say, we can certainly turn to our Bibles for help. As we pray the words of our Bibles to God, we are strengthened and encouraged in our spirit. In turn, our spirits become open to the leading of the Holy Spirit so we can know with confidence that which God has planned.

Only the Holy Spirit can help us to pray with sincere, open hearts. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would be our comforter and our teacher. Knowing that, how can we not invite the Holy Spirit to teach us to pray prayers of breakthrough? These are the prayers that will change the course of history and bring about a world of peace for all humankind.

I would encourage you this day to talk to the Holy Spirit and submit to His teaching. Pray prayers that are effective, fervent and full of God's wisdom and will. It is in these prayers that we will find breakthrough to the fullness of the Christian walk.

May God richly bless you as you seek to be an authentic follower of Christ.

CLG-B

The Bread of Life

2005-06-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers...

First, let me thank you for your continued prayers for our military personnel, especially those serving in Iraq. They, regardless of their opinion about the cause or need for this war, honor their commitment to our country. The very least they deserve from us are our prayers and our gratitude. When you see a soldier, be sure to thank them for their service. They are the reason we have the blessing and privilege of living in a country as great as America.

Today I opened my bible to John 6:25-66. Please take out your bibles and read it. I hope it will speak to your heart as it has to mine.

In the context of these verses, we've just been told that Jesus walked on water. Keep this in mind when you read, because you will be amazed at the audacity of the disciples' constant request for another sign, another miracle. In v26 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill." Jesus calls them to account for their worldliness. He continues by telling them that they should focus on the spiritual, not the earthly. He speaks to them using food as an example because it is something the disciples understand. (As an aside, there's a lesson here about sharing faith with others. Use what the listener can understand. That's why Jesus spoke in parables.)

Yet, in v28 the disciples do it again. They ask Jesus, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" They focused on the doing. And what does Jesus respond? "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." Did you see it? Jesus focused on the being. Jesus says the work of God is being a believer in the Son.

We can get so caught up in doing things that we forget the most important part: being one who believes!

The disciples still didn't get it! In v30 they ask Jesus for another sign! How many signs do we need? Jesus had just come to them walking on water and they still wanted a sign! They even credited the manna to Moses, not God. (Here's another tidbit: how often do we take the miraculous around us and credit them to fate? Or circumstance? Or other people? Ouch. Guilty as charged.)

Again, Jesus tried to turn their thoughts to the spiritual. In v32 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." The disciples asked Jesus to give them this bread because they still didn't understand the Jesus was talking about himself. Jesus tries again in v35, "I am the bread of life." You can't get much plainer than that! In v36 he says, "But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe." (Doesn't this speak to us of the wonderful patience and longsuffering of our God, not wanting any to perish but offering this eternal life to all?)

Jesus goes on to describe to them his purpose on this earth. He repeats himself over and over again, trying to get them to open their spirits to his teaching. You have to wonder if this teaching came back to them during the Passover when Jesus talked about the blood and the body, the wine and the bread.

In v 63 Jesus says, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing." Wow, the flesh counts for nothing.
Does that mean of our striving to be super Christians is useless? Does a tree have to strive to be a tree? When you walk by can you hear it groaning under the weight of the burden? No. And neither should we. If you are fulfilling the work of God, believing in the one whom he sent, then you are doing the work of God. You don't have to strive. The believing is the key.

You ask what about sin? You say, "I'm always battling sin." Sin is covered by that same blood and body. That is grace! We are exhorted here to simply BE! Stop striving and start being. You'll find the Christian life so very satisfying when you take the flesh out of the picture, focus on the Sprit and BE.

I pray God will bring this teaching home to you in a very real and exciting way. Faith is seeing the holiness. Faith is believing in the Son. Faith is walking in the Spirit. Faith is living in grace.

May God richly bless you as you seek to BE.

CLG-B

Memorial Day

2005-05-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

My dear readers,

Today's writing is in red to symbolize all of the blood shed by courageous men and women in defense of the freedoms we hold so very dear. On Saturday, my partner and I went to a National Cemetery near us and helped to place flags on all of the graves. It was such a moving experience. To read all of the names of the soldiers buried there; honor their spouses and sometimes their children. At one point, I was simply overcome with emotion. I took off my ballcap, placed it gently across my heart in salute, and wept through a prayer of thankfulness for each of their sacrifice. You see, I know in my heart of hearts that I enjoy the life I do today because of those brave men and women.

And yet, I am deeply troubled by our presence in Iraq. Our president has created a civil war where thousands are dead, tens of thousands maimed or injured, and nobody is safe to walk the streets even during daylight. Although I honor our men and women in uniform for their selfless service, I cannot help but hurt for those families who are now dealing with the dead and horribly maimed. All of this is because of an egotistical president who is unwilling to take responsibility for the mess he's made.

On this Memorial Day, say thank you to those in uniform and offer your sincere appreciation for their sacrifices. And while you're at it, thank their families who kept the home fires burning. Believe me, they made great sacrifices, as well. And if you know a gay or lesbian soldier who is hiding in the closet and yet still carrying the torch of freedom, let them know what brave soldiers they are.

Without the selflessness, courage, bravery, and intestinal fortitude of these wonderful men and women, I would not be able to fly the flag of freedom today.

God bless America. God bless all of the governments on the Earth. And continue to pray for peace everywhere.

CLG-B

The Lost Sheep

2005-05-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

My dear readers,

Thank you for kind words and insightful comments on previous posts. I do read and take to heart every one of them, praying that I will grow in wisdom and knowledge through your experiences in the Lord.

Let's consider our responsibility to others. In Luke 15, Jesus was speaking in parables, as was his custom. The least among the community came to listen to Jesus. (I personally believe it was because he gave them hope. )The religious leaders were appalled that Jesus would associate with those of such low socio-economic status. These were considered the dregs of society: unkempt, unlearned, and straying away from what the religious leaders required. They wanted more than the Law. They wanted a relationship!

Within our churches we have so many who are marginalized and who hurt deeply. They may not have the best clothing or hygiene. They may not follow the same rules. Yet they are starving for love and compassion, in deep emotional pain. They sit in the back of our churches completely ignored by the minsters and congregation, no one reaching out to touch them where they are. Of that, we should be convicted! We can never know what's in a person's heart! Let me tell you of a recent event that made this very real to me.

As many know, my precious partner returned after a 15 month tour of duty in Iraq. She has suffered greatly with post-traumatic stress disorder. Several months ago she asked to speak with the pastor of the church we were attending. Now, you must understand that this church falls under the category of extreme fundamentalism. They are subscribers to the religion of prosperity and deliverance. According to their theology, if you have difficulties in your life then you are in sin, basically, and must have a demon or something similar which requires deliverance...their style. And there are so many churches out there who follow that theology. In my opinon, in light of the teaching and life of Jesus, it is very condemning and lacking in love and compassion. After that conversation, the pastor pushed her aside. It was devastating to my partner. For months she kept the hurt of that deployment inside because of the negative and hurtful reaction of that pastor.*

While attending a special event at another church, she had the opportunity to speak to the minister who will be, in a short few months, installed as the leader of their entire denomination. Although this woman is busy and very important, she took the time to care for my partner and reach out to her. I cannot begin to tell you how much healing was done in such a short time.

All of this made me think of the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus said, "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep but loses one of them? Then he will leave the other ninety-nine sheep in the open field and go out and look for the lost sheep until it finds it. And when he finds it, he happily puts it on his shoulders and goes home."

We think this is a parable for the lost; those who don't know Jesus. Think about it in a different way. He was tending the sheep; those who know his voice. These were his sheep. If one who knows him slips away, it is our obligation as ministers of the gospel to gently retrieve that sheep, put that one on our shoulders and carry them back to the sheepfold. The word for sheep used here means to go forward or advance. As his sheep, we should be moving forward or advancing...maturing in our faith walk. That leads to even bigger implications. We are to encourage one another in our faith walk. Also notice that the shepherd carried the sheep home. He didn't leave it to chance, but took the weary and confused sheep in his arms and gave the sheep comfort on the journey.

In the way that this minister took my partner's hands in hers and cared for her, so should we care for one another. It's an easy, fleshly thing to look down on another, condemning them and castigating them for their weakness or pain. It is the Christ-like thing to open our hearts and our spirits to care for one so hurt and soul-damaged. God bless this woman for offering the healing hand of God to my precious partner.

May we all learn a lesson in this. It is imperative and incumbent upon us to go forward and care for the sheep of our sheepfold. Jesus taught us that we are our brother's keeper. If we heap condemnation on each other, we will be nothing more than a fold of wounded, unuseful sheep. Let's put our weapons of words, thoughts and deeds down and open our hearts, minds and spirits to each other, helping each other mature in our faith walk.

May God touch your hearth with this message as He's touched mine. May you be richly blessed and know the love and compassion to which we are called.

CLG-B

* For more infomation on spiritual abuse (using the bible or spiritual principles to chastise another person), please visit http://truluck.com . This site is owned by Dr. Rembert Truluck, a very learned man and scholar of the bible as a weapon against another. You will find it quite enlightening!

Food for Thought

2005-05-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hi again...
Just a few things to chew on...

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/05/theocrats-in-military-your-tax-dollars.html

http://www.optruth.org/main.cfm?actionId=globalShowStaticContent&screenKey=hearHome&lnav=1

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/spkhntrca/Casey.html

http://www.occupationwatch.org/analysis/archives/2005/05/why_us_troops_w.html

http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19022

God help us. We are now a country who is in incredible, mind-numbing debt. We are now the least respected, most war-mongering nation in the world. And we have an idiot for a (p)resident. That's what happens when you let hate-filled, isolationist bigots run the country. It's time for those who still have brains to rise up against this administration and demand that they, including Bush, Rumsfeld, and Cheney, be forced to accept responsibility for their actions and their lies. Why are our elected senators and representatives afraid to impeach these morons? I hope 2008 elections speak loud and clear of our disdain for these hypocrites.

CLG-B

False Prophets

2005-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hello, gentle readers…

Today, I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to write on a very difficult topic: False prophets. In my regular study and reading time, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart in the Book of Ezekiel. Please, get your bibles and read Ezekiel 13. In this chapter God condemns those prophets who speak even though the Lord has said nothing to them. In verses 6-7, Ezekiel quotes the Lord when he says, “Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The Lord declares,’ when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect to have their words fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations, when you say, ‘The Lord declares,’ though I have not spoken?” *

What are prophets’ lies and how can you be wise and discern those who would prophesy lies? There are a number of telltale signs that have been noted:

1. These people are self-professed “prophets” or “modern-day prophets.” They actively promote themselves as prophets and insist that others refer to them as such. They are all spin and no substance according to Ezekiel.

2. They abuse the gift by making “prophetic” announcements, which claim a binding effect on followers. Often the followers are caught up in putting the “prophet” on a man-made pedestal and the “prophet” does nothing to humble themself and get off that pedestal.

3. The “prophet” makes no specific claims, but followers are recording, collecting or distributing what the “prophet” says and claim that the words are from God.

4. They are usually the same words to all people and usually quote the same scriptures, i.e. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made, says the Lord” or “I have a great purpose for your life, declares the Lord” As you can see, these are very general and have no specific word from God for the life of the believer.

5. It (the prophecy) is used to control the lives of the followers or for setting forth doctrine.

6. And worst of all, it draws attention to the “prophet”, not God.

The current accepted model of prophecy was set forth by John Wimber of the Vineyard Fellowship. It teaches, according to what I’ve read, that you are to take your thoughts (whatever enters your mind) and express them as though they were prophecy. Supposedly, one has to practice this gift and will gain proficiency through that practice.

So what is the problem with this model? It pre-empts spiritual discernment, assumes the thoughts and sayings are from God, and anyone who tries to be discerning or question the prophet is castigated and thought be less spiritual or doubting. It creates a hostile atmosphere where questioning is prohibited and one is expected to just follow.

What is prophecy? According to http://gea.org/, prophecy is defined as the mind of Christ and the words of Christ spoken through those with the gift of prophecy.

In my opinion and through my study, I believe that God sent prophets forth with a very specific message about God’s plan. There was a reason for these prophecies and God shared a timetable with the prophet. Just look at the Old Testament. (I will address this further a bit later on.) According to http://scholarscorner.com/, in the Old Testament, the Spirit of God rested ON the prophet. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit resides IN the prophet, but also in all of the people of God. God used the prophets of the Old Testament because His Spirit only dwelled in the Temple and ON the prophet.

Is there a need for prophecy in our day, or has the gift ceased? I believe we still have modern-day prophets but their role may have changed. We must understand that God speaks to all of His followers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus, that way is open to us all. The Old Testament prophets didn’t have the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. But, we must remember that God has said we can hear from Him directly! We need no mediator other than Jesus. The Holy Spirit has been given to us to teach us all we need to know.

All that being said, how can we be spiritually discerning when it comes to prophecy? According to http://word-of-grace.com/:

1. Not everything that is inspired is prophecy.
2. Hearing God and intercession are not the gift of prophecy.
3. Words of encouragement are not prophecy.
4. Perceptive people don’t necessarily have a spiritual gift. They may just be perceptive.
5. True prophecy should quicken our hearts and minds, reminding us of Scripture.

Self-professed prophets MUST be scrutinized. The scripture says to test the spirits to see if they are from God. Is what the church now accepts as prophecy truly the gift of prophecy, or is it simply the gift of the word of knowledge? How much of what we are told is prophecy is nothing more than personal opinion or repetition of scripture? How much of what we are told is prophecy is really nothing more than hype or spin meant to sound spiritual when there is a lack of hearing from God?

Truly, God has spoken to my heart. As surely as night turns to day, we have a large number of false prophets among us who would lull us to obedience by their lying declarations. They have not heard from God but are spouting religious rhetoric that sounds spiritual.

I would ask you to get to know God more intimately so that you may discern the spirits and know when you have false prophecy being spoken into your life. And, if you are in the presence of such a person, pray that God will enlighten them that they may see their false prophecy and repent.

May God speak to your heart today and my you receive all of His blessings for you, your family and friends.

CLG-B

* Ezekiel 13:6-7 (NLT) "Instead they have lied and said, 'My message is from the Lord,' even though the Lord never sent them. And yet they expect him to fulfill their prophecies! Can your visions be anything but false if you claim, 'This message is from the Lord, when I have not even spoken to you?'"

Try reading the scriptures in the NLT version. The language isn't as pretty, but the message comes through loud and clear. Those not used to reading the bible may find the NLT is more easily understood.

The Commandments

2005-04-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all...

While taking my partner to work this morning, I took notice of a sign in a yard by which we passed. Now, I've seen the sign a number of times. I don't think the magnitude of the message really struck me until today.

There is a well-painted sign of the ten commandments on a pretty white board that is shaped a bit like the front of a church. It's pretty good sized and right on the roadway, so you really can't miss it. I can't number the times we've driven right by it without paying much attention. So why today, you ask? I've been thinking about what Jesus had to say.

In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus says, "...Love the Lord with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Interestingly, Jesus decided that rather than a whole bunch of rules, He would simplify it for us. He listed just two commandments . One is to love the Lord with everything that is in you. The second is to let love be the guiding force in your life.

In Romans, Paul simplifies this even more. In Romans 13:9-10, he says, "The commandments 'Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not covet', and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

It's interesting to me that some people, especially conservative Christians, feel the need to tie themselves to the Law. If we are truly New Covenant people, then it is the teaching of Jesus that we should follow. And if you really consider the scriptures we've seen today, truly all the Law and the Prophets and the Commandments are summed up in one word; LOVE. If we consider others with love, we will not sin against them or against God. If we operate in love, we will want only the best for others with whom we have relationships. If we operate in love, we will be kind to those who are not necessarily kind to us. Yes, Jesus and Paul summed in all up in a very neat little package!

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Well, if you've ever tried to live that life, you know it isn't as easy as it sounds. It takes a concentrated effort on our part to bring our emotions and thoughts into obedience and live in love. They (the theologically learned) tell us that living a life of love will get easier with time and practice. Gee, I hope so! It is my goal to focus on and live a life that shows the love of Jesus. What about you? The next time someone cuts you off in traffic, show some godly restraint and respond in love. The next time someone grabs the parking space for which you've waited five minutes (and had your blinker on), don't give them the international sign language for which we're all so famous. Respond in love, not revenge. You'll begin to see how much the Lord had to discipline Himself to be our sacrifice, our Savior. It's an eye-opener. Promise.

May the love of Christ be pre-eminent in your life this day and may you experience the many blessings which He has in store for you as His child.

CLG-B

It's time for a war rant...ughh

2005-04-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Any of you who have read the blog through know that my precious partner was deployed to Iraq for 15 months in two of the most fierce areas. I regularly check the websites and blogs for updates since I know that our government does not give us the truth when it comes to the Iraq War. I cannot number the times I've used alternative media sources and overseas news bureaus to find out what's really going on over there. If you haven't done that, you will be amazed at the censorship we face in this country.

I'm sure "W" is pleased that he has the Schiavo case and the death of John Paul II to overshadow what is happening in Iraq. The war that was to cost us next to nothing is putting us in debt like never before. Basically, when you really crunch the numbers, the US is bankrupt. Were you or I to spend as this administration is doing, we'd be put in jail for writing bad checks and they'd throw away the key!

The war that "W" said (during an interview with Pat Robertson of The 700 Club) would have no casualties has cost us nearly 1600 dead and over 10,000 injured. (And those figures don't include, from what I read, the numbers of soldiers permanently scarred by Post Traumatic Brain Injuries and other mental illness). I read today of one Guard soldier who, because of the stop-loss program, was not allowed to end his enlistment but was presented with a re-enlistment contract with an end date of 2031! The government said they needed some "wiggle room" because of the low numbers of troops and masses of Guard soldiers who are getting out of the military. The neo-cons in our government have suggested raising the age limit for enlistment, as well as the number of years one is obligated to serve. It is presently at 8 years and they want to raise it to 10 years. This is nothing more than a back-door draft! Ladies and gentlemen, I suggest that is just not right! "W" has pulled these men and women away from their families and jobs and, in many cases, ruined their lives emotionally, relationally, and financially.

But, these diversions cannot last forever. "W" can't keep hiding behind every issue that comes along and divert attention from his failures. He and his cronies MUST be held accountable for their lies and deceit! I say we impeach the president for lying and bringing about an unjust war. Once impeached, I suggest he be held accountable for the war crimes he has committed by invading a sovreign nation. I mean please, whatever happened to Bin Laden? We aren't even focusing on him anymore and he's the one who took out the Twin Towers and the Pentagon! Bush took a pre-emptive strike (hello...that's called invading a sovreign country) and pretty much bombed Iraq into a giant sandbox. Their people are starving, living in the streets, and suffering from disease brought on by unsanitary conditions.

So, rise up my friends. Become educated and informed. Write your senators and representatives to call for this administration to be held accountable for their actions. Unless we all get involved, we will be going to more and more funerals and have more and more mentally ill soldiers walking the streets because of the lack of funds for the VA. God help us all if we fail to act.

CLG-B

God with a big "G"

2005-04-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hello dear friends,

Well, it's been a busy week full of travel and getting reacquainted with old friends. I am so thrilled to share that my home church, Cornerstone MCC in Mobile, Alabama, has a new pastor: Rev. Lee Carlton. Having met Rev. Carlton this weekend, I can tell he is a man of God who is full of love and compassion. I know in my heart that he is the right man for this congregation and they will learn much from his character.

That being said, I've been reading through the Old Testament and am in 2 Kings now. If you haven't read it for fear that it is just a list of kings and their exploits, you are missing a wonderful lesson in how God dealt with His people in the years after they insisted on having their own king. Some did right in the sight of the Lord. Some did evil in the sight of the Lord. And some, as in 2 Kings 17:37-41, did good things to honor the Lord and yet still clung to the old ways and old religions...the old idols.

The key here is v.41, "Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols."

To answer whether this is an issue in our own lives, we must first define that which is an IDOL. The word for IDOL used here is pasiyl which means vain or graven. This is where we get our word vanity. These were images that they carved themselves for their own use. And, as in vanity, they served no purpose except for the "feel good" factor!

Taking this a step further, we can understand why God would have a problem with other gods. He specifically says to worship Jehovah God only. And in Rev. 3:15-16, He is very clear when addressing the church at Laodicea that He would that people be either hot or cold and not lukewarm in their faith. Those with gods are lukewarm. They think they're doing everything right and loving the Lord, but they don't see the small images (idols) they have formed by their own hands and minds that take away from their intimacy with Jehovah God.

I've met a rare few who do not fall into this sin, myself included. It may be an addiction. It may be a mental health issue. It may be another person who has your attention and takes away your full attnetion from the Savior. Whatever that issue is, take a moment with the Lord and simply ask Him to show you if you have a "little g" god in your life. When we get rid of and ask forgiveness for those things that draw us away, we find a life of abundance, peace and power unlike anything we've ever known. We find the true life and love for the Lord.

May God bless you richly as you seek Him knowing that when you seek Him with your whole heart, you will most certainly find Him.

CLG-B

The Celebration of Easter

2005-03-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Greetings, gentle readers...

As others will do this weekend, I want to express my thoughts on our celebration of Easter. As funny as it may sound, as a young child in Sunday School I could never grasp how Jesus was born on Christmas and died on Easter and accomplished all that we read about in the Gospels! LOL Ah, the mind of a child.

Now that I have gown older, and hopefully wiser, I wonder often why we don't talk of the resurrection much in our churches. Oh, we talk about Jesus' death. We even carry around crucifixes on our bodies (and dangling from our car rear view mirrors) to remind us of such. There are so many messages from our pulpits on how Jesus died for our sins.

Don't misunderstand me. The death of our Lord is important. But, I put forth that His resurrection is of utmost importance. The fact that Jesus died makes Him just another man. The fact that He was resurrected makes Him our Savior. His death may bring us forgiveness of our sins, but His resurrection brings us the hope of eternal life! Without the resurrection, we are without hope.

I spent some time working for a cemetery and funeral home as an at-need counselor. I would meet with families and assist them at the time of death to make the necessary cemetery arrangements. In each meeting, I could very easily tell which families had the hope of the resurrection and which did not. For those who were Christians, believing that they will again be with their loved ones in glory, the hope was amazing. Even in their grief, there was joy. Often they would talk about the faith of their loved one and take strength from that faith. Often, the graveside commital services were celebrations of a life lived for our Lord and expressions of joy and thankfulness for a life lived and a soul transferred to Heaven.

But...for those who had no faith in the resurrection, there was only loss. And that loss was so deep and so hopeless that they often despaired of life themselves. It was dark and lonely, a place of depression and sadness that could literally be felt by the soul. So often, it would just break my heart for these lost souls. There was no comfort for them, no peace.

What I am saying to you this day is to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Be joyful! Be thankful! This is not a somber occasion. This is a day of rejoicing! So, today raise your hands to the Lord in joyful thanksgiving for His resurrection; the promise of eternal life and hope of glory!

May God richly bless you this day.

CLG-B

The Unity of the Faith

2005-03-24T04:10:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

Yesterday, I was reading a small devotional and the topic was UNITY. It seems to me that, in our society, we have made a practice of focusing on diversty over the past couple of decades. Now, sociologically speaking, that is a good thing. We all need to become more tolerant of others. However, if we fail to focus on UNITY, I fear we have done nothing but create gaps of understanding, factions, and schisms.

For example, we all belong to different churches or denominations. There may be a wide range of opinions on doctrine. Some believe in tongues. Some do not. Some believe in baptism by immersion only. Some do not. Some believe Jesus was God. Some believe he was the son of God. Some believe that glbtq people are part of the community of believers. Some don't.

Regardless of our doctrinal belief, there is one thing that God calls us to believe:

Jn 3:16 is so familiar. We can all quote it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

WHOSOEVER. There are no qualifiers except belief in Jesus as the Son of God, the sacrifice for our sins.

Rom 10:9 says "If you confess with you mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

There is nothing in any of these verses that says we must agree on DOCTRINE! UNITY isn't based on doctrine. UNITY is based in belief in Jesus. Oh, you may say that you cannot be in UNITY with someone whom you feel is wrong doctrinally. What about those gay people? What about those crazy charismatics? What about those Catholics? What about those Baptists? It's irrelevant, people. Totally irrelevant. God wants UNITY.

Rom 5:13-14 says, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of UNITY among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:3 says, "Make every effort to keep the UNITY of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

UNITY is very important to God. UNITY is shown in the way we treat each other. UNITY comes from having a peaceful spirit before the Lord and love for others. We don't have to always agree. As long as there has been humankind on earth, there has been disagreement. But, disagreement doesn't have to break UNITY.

We wonder why we don't see miracles in our lives, our churches. It is a lack of UNITY. We come with all kinds of agendas and personal junk that doesn't create UNITY in our families, our churches, our communities. When we live in peace and UNITY, the enemy is terrified. Great things are done for God out of the UNITY of believers.

I would encourage you today to focus on UNITY. Focus on those things that would divide you and place them at the foot of the cross. Walk away and don't grab them as you turn from them. Determine in your heart and spirit, to live in UNITY with others. You will not only find that life is more pleasant, but is filled with the power of Almighty God. Imagine the power of the unified Church, together as one, overcoming the evil in this world. Amazing, isn't it?

May God richly bless you this day and may you reach outside yourself to create unity in our world.

CLG-B

Do not judge...

2005-03-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20050319-9999-2m19funeral.html

Matthew 7:1-2 says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Today is a short rant. Well, maybe short. Two subjects.

First, I've given you a link to the San Diego news. The Catholic diocese in San Diego refused (yes, refused) to bury a young, gay Catholic businessman because of his business dealings. (He owned a couple of gay bars.) The Bishop of the diocese said that this man's business was immoral and therefore he did not deserve a proper Catholic burial. Puh..leeez! How self-egrandizing is that? Since when do we review someone's life prior to burial to see if they are worthy of our services? As clergy, it is our duty to console the remaining family and to honor their desires for a proper burial for their loved ones. Period. It is NOT our place to judge them. Period.

If that isn't enough of a commentary on the state of the Catholic church, they went back on their own policy by giving Father Geoghan a full Catholic burial. Remember, this is one of the Catholic church's worst predators against children. He molested and damaged the lives of hundreds of children, many of whom I'm sure remain anonymous to this day because of the shame they feel. Yes, the Catholic church will bury one of its own who was a horrific child molester, but they won't bury a man who brought jobs and commerce to their community simply because they disliked him being gay.

I have one word for them: HYPOCRISY!

On another subject, please be aware the the federal marriage amendment has been introduced in the House again. It is imperative that we contact our representatives and let them know that the constitution should not be used as a battering ram against a segment of our citizens because of some peoples' fear and bigotry. Unless these men and women hear from us, they will continue to promote the reich-wing agenda of prejudice and hatred. Your voice is imperative in defeating bigotry, hatred and fear. The constitution has never, that I can remember, been used to isolate and discriminate against a segment of society. Take, for example, the civil rights amendments of the 1960s. They were used to bring relief to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of black citizens. If this horrific amendment passes, it will be open season on glbtq people in the US. We will continue to be the only class of people in the US against which it is lawful to discriminate and hate.

Your voices must be heard! The Congress must hear them. The President must hear them. The reich-wing who promote this behavior must hear them. Just as Martin Luther King led the downtrodden black citizen to a place of civil disobedience, so must we hear the call to march against the hatred that would take away our jobs, relationships, and even our lives! Rise up and say to the bigots, "NO MORE!"

May God richly bless you this day.

CLG-B

Love Comes First

2005-03-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers,

(Forgive the missing blogs, please. We're still fighting the "crud" at our house. I don't know what it is about this stomach flu that's going around, but it's a doozy. We continue to thank God that He is the Great Physician and has carried our sickness and disease for us. There is healing power in the Blood of Jesus. And we must but tap into it. So, I am praising God that all is well and we are healed...regardless of the circumstance!)

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Are you a t.v. person? I have favorite shows just like everyone does, I'm sure. Well, Sunday night is my t.v. night thanks to ABC's Extreme Home Makeover. Y'all, I wish everyone in the world could experience this show. It is a testament to the human spirit overcoming the human condition week after week. Tonight's story struck me deep inside with a truth that we all know but so often forget.

Love comes first.

In Colossians 3:12-14, the writer tells us how we should live; what are the requirements to be seen as a true child of the Most High God. But, v. 14 says it all, "And over all of these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

In tonight's show, a little girl who is recovering from a near fatal bout of cancer, asks the show to make over the hospital in which she was treated. She didn't ask anything for herself. Nothing. She only wants to help other kids just like her to feel better. As if that wasn't enough, she has taken to making beaded necklaces and selling them with all the profit going to help kids with cancer. This is an eight year old child, dear readers. How ashamed should we be of ourselves in light of this little child's continual gift?

We go to Wal-Mart with the "gimme" attitude. We go through relationships with a "gimme" attitude. We should be ashamed of our behavior and convicted to our core! We are not here to get. We are here to give! Have we become so self-serving and cynical as to keep us from fulfilling that one simple thing? LOVE COMES FIRST.

I would encourage you today, ask God to show you how to make love come first. There are a myriad of ways to make an impact on our little corner of the world. Sell baked goods. Have a yard sale. Donate that car in your yard that isn't running to a charity who can put others to work. Pass along a kind word. Mow your neighbor's yard. Fix the bicycle for the kid next door who has no dad to help him. Step outside yourself and make a difference.

Love comes first.

CLG-B

Do we truly understand?

2005-03-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, my friends...

For the last two days, my spirit has heard that still, small voice saying something it took me a while to understand.

"Seeing yet they do not see. Hearing yet they do not understand."

Yes, there are similar versus in the Scripture. But, I wondered if the meaning was more that what we see with pen on paper.

I am reminded of the commercial on t.v. where the young girls are in the locker room watching a water faucet running. All walk by, stop and stare, but only one reaches through the crowd to turn off the faucet. We hear so much in our churches, on religious broadcasts, in the media. We hear truth over and over. How often, though, do we walk through the crowd and respond to the call of that truth on our hearts? We see so much in this world, and yet we fail to act! We are inundated with information and yet we rarely respond in faith. You might say, "Oh yes I do! I go to church. I read my Bible." But are we becoming so insulated against the world that we forget to live in it? (Believe me, there's a difference between being insulated against the world and isolated from the world.)

My life has been broad and narrow at the same time. I've been exposed to much but have chosen, in the past, to narrow my vision and not allow my mind to take in all I see and hear. What I have found is that this closes me off to people and lessons that would not only benefit ME, but reach others too. If my faith is firm, why should I be afraid of reading other schools of thought? If my faith is firm, why should I not reach outside of my faith community? Of course, the wonderful "sweet bye and bye" feeling we get in church is great. But, unless it is a catalyst to action, to learning, what good is it except to tickle our ears and our emotions?

The walk of faith is one of action. Unless we take the teachings to which we are exposed and bring them to a world of orphans, widows and less fortunate, why are we bothering to learn? Is it just for the sake of heaven? Dear Lord, I hope not or we will be sorely disappointed. God created us as siblings... regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation...to reach out to each other and care for each other. If we, as a group of believers, fail to do that then we have failed in our call to be ministers of reconciliation in this world.

It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about THEM. THEM are the ones God brings along your path every single day who need a word of encouragement because they're bruised and battered, need a hamburger from McDonald's and a warm bed because they are homeless and hungry, or a ride to church on Sunday because their car broke down. It's not about guarding our turf of service, but about reaching beyond the call to service and touching hearts and lives!

I would encourage you today to open your hearts and minds to the fullness of all there is in this wonderful creation and bring that light with you through your days. You will be surprised how fulfilling life can be when you step out of the pew onto the street and ask God to touch lives through you.

May God richly bless you this day, open your heart to new teaching, and cause you to see the needy all around you to whom only you can be a blessing.

CLG-B

With Friends Like These...

2005-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers!

First, I have to say that I did not call the tele-witnessing folks back. I was sorely tempted, though! LOL Bless their hearts, they think they're doing a wonderful thing for God. With the way our society views telemarketers, one would think they would realize how their "concern" would be received. Ah well. On to other things.

I've been reading the Book of Job the past couple of days. I'm sure we all know the story of Job. Job had it all: a great family, houses, land, livestock. God was holding counsel and the angels came before Him, with the evil one dragging in from behind. Now, granted, it was God who first mentioned Job. It has to make you wonder if God was trying to test Job or make the evil one realize he was fighting a losing battle against those who truly worshiped Almighty God.

Job's life went downhill really fast. In an instant, all he owned and his entire family (with the exception of his wife) was gone and he was stricken with horrible disease. Now, Job knew he was a faithful follower of God. Job knew that all of this hit him not because there was sin in his life. Job knew he was a righteous man. But, Job's wife didn't make matters any better. She certainly wasn't a help-mate to Job. She told Job to simply curse God and die.

Three of Job's friends come along and continually banter with him over repenting for his sin. But, again, Job knew he was a righteous man. And, as the saying goes, with friends like these who needs enemies? It's not that Job didn't cry out to God in his anguish. He most certainly did. Job was miserably sick and destitute. Job's three friends mocked him, called him cursed, and worse. They certainly didn't have the gift to encourage! They immediately assumed this was all Job's fault and they tore into him for it. They JUDGED him!

But, in all of this Job did not curse God. He says an interesting thing in Job 23:10, "But He (God) knows the way that I take; when He (God) has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job had his eyes on God, not on the circumstances. Job knew that God could change the circumstances. Job, though, wanted God to change him in the circumstances.

This is the true measure of a man or woman of God: will they stand the test and come out in triumph knowing that the God of their circumstances has their best interest at heart? Job found out really quickly who his true friends were. Job was so well-aware of his own heart, he knew there was no sin in his life. That would have to mean that Job lived a life of piety, repentance, care for others and for his family. He was quick to obey!

So, when difficult tests and trials come your way (and they will), be sure you are in the place of right standing with God. Be quick to listen to God's leading. Be willing to obey at the time God says to do so. Be open to the hand of God and surrender to the lesson to be learned. Then, when you are judged by others, you can dispute them just as Job did when he said in Job 23:12, "I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread."

May God bless you this day and show you the lessons you must learn. And, be assured that when you come through the test, you will come forth as gold and God will bless you more abundantly than you ever thought possible.

CLG-B

I really thought I'd heard it all...until now

2005-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hello dear readers,

I must admit that I started writing a really "spiritual" column. I put it to draft and went about my evening routine. The phone rang. I didn't recognize the number on the caller ID, but it was local so I thought I'd be polite and answer. I shouldn't have.

"Witnessing" has reached an all-time low, in my opinion. The caller was someone in our town doing telemarketing witnessing. Yep, you heard me right. Telemarketing. It started with a slick script to get your attention and then, boom, right into the scripture quoting. Good grief! We're not even safe from christian telemarketers! And, of course, it was right at dinner time.

Now, don't misunderstand me. The Bible is very clear about being able to give an answer to someone who asks you about your faith. I think the operative word here is asks. Can anyone honestly believe that they will endear themselves to the listener by kamikaze phone witnessing? PUHLEEZ! Since they interrupted my dinner, I am considering calling them back at breakfast tomorrow to convert them to lesbianism.

Ughhh!

CLG-B

Condemning the Weak of Faith

2005-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

First, your prayers are appreciated and requested as God continues to work in my earthly body. I am believing that healing (progressive and true) is already on the way from the throne of God to work wholeness on my behalf. Your prayers for my bout with chest pain are appreciated!

That being said, let's look at our text for today's consideration: Romans 14:1-13. Let's look at a couple of things that the apostle says.

"(1) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment..." How much more clear can this instruction be? Don't pass judgment on others because you feel their faith is weaker than your own! Do you not understand that by doing so you heap coals of condemnation on your brother and cause him to stumble in his already immature faith? Also, have you considered that by looking down your nose at your brother for not attaining your level of faith that you may be negating a very serious lesson that the Lord is trying to teach, thereby becoming an obstacle to God's work?

"(10) You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." We will all stand before God's judgment seat. Yes, Jesus will advocate on our behalf because of God's great mercy shown in the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. But...I believe the apostle is trying to remind us that we are responsible for our own lives in the Lord and it is on that which we should focus. It is challenge enough, while bound in these earthly bodies, to maintain a spiritually-focused life. Why must we condemn, look down upon and otherwise sneer at our brother? It is our earthly body's fleshly need to be superior. Yet, Jesus came teaching that the servant will be the leader.

So, I would encourage you this day to take your eyes off your brother and put them back on Jesus, where they belong. Focus on being the best for God that you can be this day. Put the positive back into your life. Live a life of purpose, focus and excellence. It is this life that will draw you closer to God. It is this life that will cause men to wonder about what makes you confident in a world of insecurity. It is this life that will bring you into the throne room of Almighty God.

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." When your mind is set on things above, earthly things have no hold on you. So, gentle readers, set your minds on the things of God and worry not about how God works in the lives of others. Belong to Him...and Him, alone.

I proclaim blessing over your spiritual, emotional and physical health; your families, friends and associates; your pets; and over all that with which you will come in contact today. May God richly bless you and may you know the fullness of the calling which you have received.

CLG-B

Suffering...God's Weight Room

2005-02-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

Do you belong to a denomination that believes in "name it and claim it?" I do...and I find myself at odds with that teaching many, many times. Recently, someone suggested that they have no menopause symptoms because they cast it away and told the devil to leave them alone. Is it possible? Of course. Is it probable? Probably not.

I Peter 1:6-7 says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

We will have temptations and trials in this life. It isn't all rosy and sticky sweet, my friends. How else would one keep a muscle in top fitness but to stress it and exercise it regularly? And, so is God with us. He puts on us burdens and difficulties that we might flex our faith and examine our fitness for the kingdom. In so doing, we gain insight and spiritual prowess allowing us to mature into that follower who truly can bring the ministry of God on earth: to heal the sick, cure the lame, bind up the brokenhearted, and show affection for the sheep. That is true ministry. And that truth is only seen in those who have been refined in the fire of the difficulties this world brings.

So next time you are eager to cast something away, check with God first and see if it isn't there to teach you some lesson even greater.

May God richly bless you this day and may you learn strength, patience and compassion.

CLG-B

Happy Valentine's Day

2005-02-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well, of course we start off with a Happy Valentine's Day wish to all you romantic souls blessed to have a covenant partner with whom to share your life! (Of which, I am one!) I cannot even remember what life was like without my precious partner, Patti. I've always wanted someone with whom I could share my faith and my heart, and God answered my prayer. For that, I am eternally grateful.

While we're pondering love, let's talk about love and the church. I have been disappointed by the lack of love expressed in our churches. Oh, we talk about it. A lot. But, we don't seem to have the actions that back it up. I cannot begin to number the times I've seen God's people do ungodly things to each other. And, were I truthful, I would have to admit that I have been among them.

God has been speaking to my heart about love and those that cross our paths daily. How difficult is it to offer a smile to a store clerk who's had the worst day at work? Not difficult at all. As a matter of fact, that's just what God expects of us. KINDNESS. You can show more love in a single moment through a very simple act of kindness.

Let's take that same kindness into our churches. How are we at this in our churches? In my opinion, we play at this and fall way short of God's ideal. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 all the things that describe love. It is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, not rude. Love is not selfish, irritable, nor does it remember when it has been wronged. Love is never glad about injustice but love rejoices over the truth. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.

OUCH.

Can we really claim to love our brothers and sisters? Can we really claim to love those outside of our church? Not unless we meet all of the criteria, we cannot. So often, we smile at people in church and then turn right around and talk about them behind their backs. Is this love? It is such a huge problem. We don't take time to truly listen, truly care about those who may be unattractive, of a lesser social standing, or any other myriad of excuses. We even use prayer as an excuse to gossip about others. How petty! How difficult is it to smile and sincerely care?

I can give you an example. I have a dear friend who is going through such an emotional battle right now. She has been thrust to the side by the church leadership, who have pidgeon-holed her into a less than flattering category. They think she has less faith because she questions. They think she has invalid needs and comments because she isn't like them. Quite simply, they have by their actions and words put her outside their social and church circle and completely marginalized her. And, she's not the only one. I've seen it over and over again. If you are weak in faith, well you're not invited into the "privileged" few. If you are weak in body, then you are pushed away as being a "less than."

Dear friends, that is a disgusting stench in the nostrils of an holy God! I cannot stress it enough. I know this is a tough lesson, a hard thing to take in. But...know that it is from the heart of a hurting Father! Our Father longs for His children to not just get along, but to truly and wholly live in love in this world. We cannot affect change as long as we're busy shooting our own troops! Friendly is God's ideal...not friendly fire.

If you are the one who is (even if unaware) being unloving and marginalizing others, then please get on your knees and ask God for forgiveness and go make it right with your brother or sister. I have done so. I must trust that God will change my heart! It is my goal to make everyone in my circle of influence feel loved by God and to know that I care for them sincerely. If I cannot do this, then everything else I offer in sacrifice to God is unacceptable.

The last of chapter 13 says, "...and the greatest of these is love." Please, hear the words of Jesus speaking about the greatest commandments in Mark 12:29-33, "Jesus replied, 'The most important commandment is this: Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.' "

Hear, dear child of God. NO commandment is greater than these. On the premise of love hangs the entire New Covenant. On love hangs grace. On love hangs our entrance into eternity! On love hung our Savior.

Reach out. Love deeply. Love well. Love in deed. Love in word. Love with abandon and extravagance!

May God richly bless you this day and give you a deeper revelation of what LOVE truly is.

CLG-B

I am with you...

2005-02-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

Forgive my absence for a couple of days. I'm fighting a pinched nerve in my neck that is affecting my computer time. Ughh. Isn't it an inconvenience when our bodies hit the downside of 40? But, life goes on and we move along the current through each season knowing that all things, when put in the light of eternity, bring us closer to God.

Have you ever experienced a difficult time where you wondered where God was in all of it? I think were we honest, everyone would raise their hands to that one. Yes, of course there are times when we feel that our prayers hit the ceiling of our closets and bounce right back. We wonder where God went. We wonder if we've done something so horrible that He would turn His back.

Matthew 28:20b says (NLT), "And be sure of this; I am with you always.." Jesus says He is with us always. He is promising, according to the original text, to be with us thoroughly, whatsoever, wholly and completely, in every way. WOW! Doesn't that light some fire in your spirit? Jesus, right before He ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God Almighty, promised His presence always.

So, who is that presence? Luke 24:49 tells us it is the Holy Spirit. "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." (NLT) Enter the Book of Acts. Acts 2:4 says, "And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit..." Notice the Holy Spirit filled everyone who was present. This speaks to my spirit. One must follow the instruction of Jesus to receive. Jesus instructed them to wait where they were. He didn't tell them to go someplace else to find the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came down in power where they were!

Dear friends, God meets us where we are right now. He doesn't need us to go someplace, or do something before He can empower us! So, today as you walk through your life, remember that Jesus promised to be always with us. And, choose to submit to the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the presence of Almighty God in our lives. I believe you will find that this transforms your prayer time into power time.

May God bless you richly this day!

CLG-B

Happy Mardi Gras....Huh???

2005-02-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

Happy Mardi Gras to those who participate in that celebration. It's not my idea of fun, but to each his own. If you are not familiar, on the Gulf Coast there is a big battle as to where the idea of Mardi Gras came about. It's celebrated in grand fashion in New Orleans, but everyone along the Coast gets into the act. There is no shortage of cheap plastic beads and corny dubloons, and silly floats pulled by trucks you can buy on the cheap after the parades. In deference to my friends in Mardi Gras land, the tradition began in Mobile, Alabama with a celebration by Joe Cain. Joe decided to parade in the streets and it quickly became tradition. So, to those with a party spirit, Happy Mardi Gras.

It's interesting to me that we can put on our happy clothes, string ourselves with beads, and parade like complete idiots through the streets hollering for Moon Pies. Yet, we cannot get outside ourselves to allow the joy of the Lord to inhabit our worship and praise. Hmmm. It seems we are missing something, doesn't it?

Think about it. Why can we not worship with such complete abandon? What a relief it would be to worship our God with such joy and excitement. But, instead, we sit in our pews with our stone cold faces and try to seem pious. Dear God, deliver us from our stuffy, arrogant spirits!

1 Chronicles 16:29b says, "...worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." Psalm 100:2 says, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:4, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise..."

Ever drive around and see people singing along to the radio in their cars? They sing with such gusto, regardless of their singing talent. They joyfully belt out every tune that their brain remembers. So, why can't we do the same in our churches? Let's take time to sing out, belt out a song to the Lord. Hey, He said to make a joyful noise...He didn't say to whom it had to be joyful!

So, today when you pull out your Bible and take some quiet time before Him, try singing a joyful song to Him at the top of your lungs. You'll be surprised. Not only will it bless the Lord, it will bless your heart.

Psalm 100:1, "Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth!"

May God richly bless you this day...and may you richly bless God!

CLG-B

Of Patience, Prayers and Computer Woes

2005-02-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

Well, I'm sure you've been wondering what happened to me. We'll get to that in a minute. First, have you ever considered the general rules of PATIENCE?

Rule #1
Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Rule #2
Don't ever pray for patience

because...

Rule #3
The only way to get it is to be tested beyond human strength!

So, if you continue reading in Galatians 5:24-26, you see that to obtain the fruit of the Spirit, we must put to death the sinful nature we carry and allow God's Spirit to reign in our lives. Now what about the sinful nature? Were we born with it? Or is it simply a byproduct of the life that we live here on Earth, always scraping to get by and fighting the nastiness that comes with being in the world? I guess there are compelling arguments for both sides. Me? It really doesn't matter to me HOW it got there. What matters is WHAT I do with it now that it IS here.

That saying, "crucify the sinful nature" seems so drastic. But, I suppose it is the only way to deal with it. I mean, were you fighting a flesh eating bacteria, wouldn't you rather lop off the body part than die? This is what is offered to us by learning to be self-controlled. Because, really, isn't that the true nature of dying to self? When you look at the fruit list in Galatians, it doesn't take long to realize that the entire foundation of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.

That being said, on to the computer woes. Our computer decided to be less than cooperative the past week. Now, you must understand a big part of me is that I am completely techno-impaired. Just like the light switch runs the electricity in the house, so should the little green button run the computer. I know I don't get how it all runs. I don't have to. It just has to do it's whirly-gig thing when the light comes on. Then, I'm pretty much good to go.

Well, I guess that's why the writer of James tells us to consider it a blessing when we face trials. Apparently, this is God's way of telling us to learn patience. Oh, and I can be such a slow learner! Eegads!! So, I have spent the week messing with this monstrous piece of metal until my thinker is sore. Somehow, it started working. On to the next part...

My dear friend, Erny, told me the story again of his aunt (I believe) who had an old beater of a car. It just wouldn't run for anyone...except her. She faithfully prayed and trusted God to bring that beater to life for her daily comings and goings. And, wouldn't you know it? God put the putter in that car each day she needed it. What made the difference? Her prayer of faith! Yes, the prayer of faith.

God's not bound by machines. God's bound only by our lack of faith. I figure, if He can create the worlds and the universe as we know it, then a silly little machine should be a piece of cake. Made sense to me. So, I finally stopped trying to fix it on my own and asked God for His help. I admitted that technical stuff wasn't my strong point and it certainly was His. I finally...yes, finally...decided to ask God for help. How backward and self-determined can I be? Well, enough that I lost five days to a machine that only took God a second to fix and get running.

So, lesson learned. God even cares about the machinery in my life because it's important to me. So, I would encourage you today to look at whatever it is in your life that is taxing your brain and trying your patience. My guess would be that God is trying to teach you something: patience. Patience and prayer are always the correct response to troubling times.

May God richly bless you this day and show you the way to maturity in the Spirit and exemplifying His fruit in your lives.

CLG-B

Forgiveness

2005-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends,

I really had no idea what to share with you today. I accepted writing this blog as a responsibility of stewardship to God. And, as usually happens, much gets in the way when you commit yourself to God in a matter of importance. I'm sure you've had the same experience if you've walked with God for any length of time.

We all make mistakes. We all sin and most often without meaning to do so. But...all require forgiveness. It is the forgiveness of God through Jesus that makes our lives worthwhile. Without that forgiveness, we would drown in guilt and despair. I John 1:9 is familiar. It says (NIV), "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Now, here I see a couple of important truths to be learned.

First, God has already provided the means for righteousness (right standing with God). By accepting Jesus' death and resurrection, God has provided for Himself a way of salvation and forgiveness to all believers. God knew that we would never measure up to all of the requirements of the law and that a sacrifice needed to be made. So, God provided that sacrifice through the lineage of Abraham (according to God's promise) so that all of His creation would have access to the throne room of grace. That, in itself, is reason enough to holler hallelujah!

Second, in order to access this forgiveness we must be open and honest in confessing our sins, faults and failings to our Heavenly Father. God wants to hear from us. Plain and simple. I think of my own earthly father who, when I messed up just waited for me to come to him and tell him how I failed and ask him for help. I think any good earthly father would do the same. Well, so much more so our Heavenly Father wishes for us to come to Him with our scrapes and bumps and ask for His help and forgiveness. There's nothing more touching to my heart than to see a young child say, "I'm sorry." to their daddy and have him scoop the child up in his arms for comfort and correction. This is the love your Heavenly Father has for you as His child.

Understand that if you refuse to forgive yourself, even after accepting the forgiveness of God, you are not accounting for the blood of Jesus; the precious gift that was used up for your benefit. We cannot continue to disrespect God with our unforgiveness of ourselves and our unforgiveness for others. It is an affront to Him, truly. Our hearts should be so completely humbled that God, Himself, would sacrifice His only Son for our forgiveness that we cannot help but share that forgiveness and unconditional love with others.

So, as you go about your day, remember God's forgiveness. It was purchased at an astounding price. And be sure to pass that forgiveness and unconditional love on to others. You might be the only Jesus that person sees today. And wouldn't it be a shame if they failed to see His love and forgiveness?

May God richly bless you this day...
CLG-B

Is Scripture Inspired??

2005-02-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

I was beside myself today about what to share with you. But, my spirit turned to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It says (NLT), "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do."

So, is Scripture inspired? Yes, of course. Just as we share with our brothers and sisters the impressions which God lays on our hearts, so the writers shared with us their inspired thoughts and prophecies. So, what are we to think of this Book? It was written as an historical and theological document to help us walk through our lives and live life with integrity. It is a guide book for us as to how we are to live, love, bring peace and comfort to this world.

We must remember that even though God is immutable, His servants are not. They certainly made mistakes, many of which are included in the Bible. So, can we therefore assume that the written word, through all of its translations, has been maintained as a perfect document? I don't think so. How many hands have changed a word or meaning here and there to suit their interpretation of Scripture? I would think as many as have had the opportunity to interpret it or scribe it. Also, we have received in later years other scrolls that would make a difference in translation.

What about different versions? Which is right: King James, New International, New Revised Standard, New American Standard, New Century, New Living, etc.? We tend to pick Biblical translations based on how easy they are for us to read and understand. What makes one better than the others? I would opine that it is the accuracy of translation based on how easy it is for us to read and understand. Agreed?

So, here's my thought: it matters not which translation speaks to your heart because it will be the Holy Spirit who brings that Book to life for you. And it will be the Holy Spirit who takes it, applies it to your life, and prepares you in every way for every good thing God wants you to do.

The Bible is our fuel for the fire that compels us to reach others and do good in this world. So I would encourage you to read your Bible, and not just for kicks. Truly spend time understanding what God has for you in this Word so painstakingly translated for your use.

May God bless you richly this day and prepare you for all the good He wants you to do.

CLG-B

Faith

2005-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

I was reading the February edition of "Guideposts" magazine. To be honest, I don't normally read it. My partner gets the subscription and enjoys the sappy happy stories they print. But, today while flipping through it, I ran across a section called The Up Side. It's a place for positive quotes, etc. There was one that struck me.

"Leap, and the net will appear." by Julia Cameron.

Isn't that a good description of faith? Someone once said it's like walking to the edge of darkness and then jumping knowing that the lights will come on. Faith really is believing in and hoping for things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) puts it this way, "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see."

Our faith must have a bold quality to it. If we are quiet and not bold in proclaiming our faith and declaring the Word of God, how can we believe that God will come to us in answer to our faith. Think of the woman with the issue of blood. The Bible says she was healed because of her FAITH.(Mat. 9:22) Gentle readers, it is FAITH that drives us spiritually. It is FAITH that brings us healing. It is FAITH that causes mountains to move. (Mat. 21:21-22)

I would encourage you today to check your faith level. Are you walking daily in confident assurance that what you hope for will happen? Are you walking daily assured that the evidence of things you cannot yet see is there and working for your benefit? That faith exists in the promises of God. And God never, ever breaks His promises. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8)

May God richly bless you this day and rise up in you a heart of faith that will move the mountains in your life.

CLG-B

It's a cloudy, yucky Monday

2005-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

My dear readers,

Welcome to the first of a new week. Can you believe that January is now just about gone? Why is it that when we get older, time seems to go by faster? Hmmm.

Today I did the flop the Bible open test. Interesting passage of scripture today. Psalm 120:6-7. "I am tired of living here among people who hate peace. As for me, I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war!" The notes on the bottom of my NLT Bible are pretty clear. The glory of war is in the hope of winning. The glory of peacemaking is in the hope that it may produce two winners. My friends, there is NO glory in war.

How quickly we get on the bandwagon to war. Our emotions are riled up and we cry for blood. It would seem to me that in this age of grace, as Christians, we should be waging peace. I see so many preachers crying out for the blood of the children of Ishmael. It's like both societies have a holy war against the other. The problem with holy wars is that they are not holy...but they are certainly war.

And what about this idea of a pre-emptive war? Is there really such a thing? Or is that a fancy word for gaining control of a sovreign country for whom we have great dislike? I'm putting my money on #2. Pre-emptive? That just means you go first. Okay, who starts war? Duh...the one who goes first.

Again, I draw our attention to Christian people and preachers, especially those who would use this war as a means of emotionalism from the pulpit. My gentle readers, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I implore you to pull away from this war. I implore you to turn your attention to peace. I implore you to reach out to each other in love and godly concern. The Bible is clear that others will know us by our love, not our war!

Reach out to the children of Ishmael, followers of Muhammed and offer them the hand of peace and welcome. It is the only way we will be able to create peace in our world.

May God speak to your hearts and bless your lives according to His riches in Christ Jesus...

CLG-B

Sending out the Apostles

2005-01-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello, gentle readers...

I am an avid reader of www.americablog.blogspot.com. Granted, it's not a spiritual blog by any means. But, the writer does make some interesting points and follows the political scene very well. The top article today was Time's Top 25 Evangelicals. I didn't know there was a list! :-)

The amazing thing about all of them was the way they adhered to the "religious right" agenda. I can't say that I'm surprised. But, I can say I'm disappointed. When did religious zealots hijack our religious freedoms? I think I have an interesting thought to ponder.

Luke 9:1-6 speaks of Jesus sending out His apostles to heal the sick and share the good news of Jesus' teaching. Jesus tells them, "Take nothing with you for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic." Interesting that Jesus doesn't want them to be beholden to anyone.

Today's popular preachers and evangelists all have one thing in common: greed. They give the people what will keep the people under their so-called ministry. The do no healing, only dividing. They divide the kingdom against itself by their hatred, words of violence and intolerance, and lack of care for the downtrodden of our society.

Do you want to see the true believers of God? Do you want to experience what it is to live in this world with the power and grace of Jesus? Then turn to those who take nothing from you except that which the Lord causes you to give. Look for the one who serves God out of a pure heart, not one that seeks to make a profit. If they make a profit...they are no prophet.

God is calling out His true church to set themselves apart from the hatred and intolerance of this religious generation. His call is to serve willingly, without thought for what they will GET, but only thinking of what they can GIVE.

Are you a part of the true church? Do you serve only to give? Do you serve only to bless God? Or are you guilty of being one of today's religious zealots?

May God speak to your heart this day...
CLG-B

Thoughts on War

2005-01-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all...

Well, normally I share a spiritual truth from my life. Today you will hear my heart. I read every day about the war in Iraq. And, yes, I've had a personal stake in it. My precious partner served fifteen months in Balad and near Fallujah. We deal daily with the aftermath of that deployment. PTSD is a secret little monster that appears at the most inopportune times. If you're not familiar with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, do some reading. And, while you're at it read about the soldiers returning home and how this war has affected them. Did you know that our wounded soldiers are actually being charged for their food in the military hospitals? Did you know that our soldiers have been exposed to chemicals that will change their lives forever? Do you know that the latest figures are over 100,000 dead Iraqis?

Every day there's something new, some forgotten incident that comes flying back into her life assailing her senses and causing horrid emotional and physical pain. The articles I read say anywhere from 17-30% of soldiers returning from Iraq are suffering extreme cases of anxiety and PTSD. That's a huge amount when you consider the numbers of soldiers being deployed. And you can't just take a pill and make it better. PTSD is an illness that will continue through her entire life and the entire lives of other soldiers. The VA cannot possibly keep up with the numbers of soldiers requesting help. And since we are over 400 TRILLION dollars in debt in this country, basically bankrupt, the government cannot budget enought money to care for our veterans as they should be and as they've been promised they will be.

These men and women are being told to "soldier up" and get over it. They are routinely shipped right back into the very situations that caused them the PTSD in the first place. Here in the US, we are not told the extent of the war and what our men and women are facing over there. One only has to have access to a computer, the internet and be a bit investigative to find the information that our government doesn't want us to have. If you gain access to foreign press articles and political blogs, you will be angered at the lack of honesty we are experiencing.

I've been appalled at the religious leaders who have pushed for this war thinking they would bring about Armegeddon. GWB sits in his fancy office and sleeps in his comfortable bed while men and women are dying for his own personal vendetta. People, this isn't about democracy. These are the children of Ishmael. They run their governments based on their religious ideals. This is about doing what GWB's daddy didn't do. This is about oil. Please don't be deceived on this.

Don't just take for granted what your government says as being 100% true. Realize that the political wheel is turning the wheel of justice. There is no justice in an unjust war brought about by lies and innuendo. Seek out information for yourself. Be informed. Find the truth. Then you will see that this president was wrong, lied about our reasons for going to war, did not plan for the reconstruction except to give contracts to his colleagues, and should be impeached for all of it. GWB cannot continue to pass the responsibility for this fiasco to underlings. A real man rises and accepts responsibility and takes the consequences.

Gentle readers, be informed consumers. Be informed citizens. Then, take what you find to the Lord and cry out for His mercy and grace. Pray for the safety of our troops, citizen contractors, and the people and children of Iraq.

May God bless you richly this day...
CLG-B

Cliques in the Family

2005-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I've been thinking about how, in our every day lives, we divide ourselves into small groups. We are very prone to this in our churches, as well. In my experience, full-gospel type churches have a corner on this market. The people who speak in tongues don't associate intimately with those who do not. The prophets don't talk to the non-prophets unless they have some "word" for the others. It's like the parable about who gets to sit at the head of the table. (Lk 14:7-11)

But, God does not show favoritism. Therefore, He does not want us to show favoritism either. What do you think cliques really do to a church family? Let's consider this.

Cliques create an insider versus outsider mentality. If you have what a particular group deems important or special, well then you are an insider. If you do not, you are an outsider. This very simple thing grows into a huge monster if not confronted. First, a spirit of offense begins to brew among those who don't fit in. Next, you'll hear grumbling and complaining. By now, the special group of insiders is so unimpressed by the behavior of the outsiders, a large rift occurs...division among the brethren, dissension in the family. The lack of acceptance and inclusion divides the church in pieces and the purpose of God is completely stymied. Don't think so? Find what we would consider a "dead" church and you can trace the origin of that death right back to cliques and a spirit of offense.

God is very clear about His feelings on this. I Corinthians 1:10 says, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." God wants us united. Romans 14:10 says, "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." James 5:9, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door."

Moving on, read James 2:1-4 and James 2:9. God doesn't play favorites and He expects His children to do the same. "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism...But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

By creating cliques in our church families and allowing them to continue, we show favoritism and create an atmosphere of offense, division and dissension. Period. Let's commit today to a serious life review. We must get before God and ask Him to show us those areas in which we fail. For if we don't, our churches will die and our ministries be unfruitful. Like the withered fig tree, we will cursed to bear fruit no more.

So, what do we need in place of those cliques and small groups? Love. If we show love to all, we are fulfilling the New Testament commandment of Jesus. Acceptance. We need to be aware of our tendency to marginalize others, especially newcomers, and extend our full acceptance of all who cross our path. Equality. Everyone has the same position in Christ. Everyone. We must not place someone above or below us on this journey. We walk equally through this life. Unity. This is the strength of our faith communities. We must have unity in the church. We must be willing to submit out of respect to another even though we may disagree for the sake of the unity of the brethren. Common. We must share all things in common. It doesn't matter if it is wealth, spiritual vision, earthly ministry, etc. We must have all things in common just as in the Book of Acts. These believers prospered and thousands of Christians added to the Church because they simply shared all things. In that spirit of love, acceptance, equality, unity and common sharing, God was able to grow His church.

So, today I would encourage you to do an inventory of who you are and how you act. Are you one who creates and participates in the clique mentality? If so, repent and purpose in your heart to return to the model that Jesus has set forth for us. In so doing, you will open the flood gates of heaven bring blessing to your life and to the lives of others around you.

May God richly bless you this day.

CLG-B

Praises and musings on this week

2005-01-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

First, a great PRAISE GOD for my precious partner's surgery. God is good and certainly our Great Physician. The surgery went better than anyone anticipated. There were no complications and no cancer found by the pathologist. God promised through the prayer of others that this would be a great healing...and so it was! She is in a bit of pain, but walking out her healing and we anticipate being able to attend church this Sunday!

Now, on to my lesson for the week. Oh my, where to start? It's interesting how we find ourselves in situations that we think are just the normal, every day fare and then they turn out to be lessons on living the Christ-life. This week, Patti was put in a room with a Christian woman whose husband was a traveling evangelist. Y'all, this lady griped and carried on about everything...and I do mean everything! She made the nurses miserable. Everything was drama and had to be a big production. She was a diabetic who came in with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). She was a big woman and couldn't seem to stay away from the junk food that put her in this position.

The nurses were very professional, to their credit. I couldn't have been so. The doctor would order medications which she would refuse to take in the form in which they were to be given, or wouldn't take them altogether. She fussed over the I.V.s. She fussed over the food. She fussed over the bed. She fussed over the (fill in the blank). I mean, there wasn't anything this woman didn't make a problem. Her sugar level was over 400 each time it was taken and she still had her husband bringing in sodas and candy. It was crazy! Finally, it's time for her to be discharged. She even carried on about how long it took to get her medications and paperwork. I'd have just been grateful to be going home in something other than a hearse!

Okay, on to the lesson. As the nutritionist tried to talk to her about her weight and eating habits, all she kept saying was, "I try, but it doesn't work." or "I just don't have the will power to keep it up." But, what she really meant was that she simply doesn't do it. She doesn't let God help her. She doesn't rely on His strength. And, quite frankly, she doesn't care about her physical body. She just wants what she wants when she wants it.

Ouch (again). It was like I could hear myself in her words. God was telling me just that. I want what I want when I want it. It's really easy to say I tried. It's really easy to gripe about how I have no will power. But what it boils down to is a big ol' fault: not putting my health on the altar and asking God for His help and His perspective. Hey, our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. I know in my head that I must take control of this area of my life. It's that 18 inches between my head and my heart that's the bumpy road. It's just easier to fail than it is to succeed...in the flesh. But, God says that He is able. God says that we are to live a self-controlled life. God says that we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living inside us. Okay, OUCH. If that is so, then why am I not tapping into that same strength to overcome the nutrition and health issue?

There was a second lesson in all of this, too. It was the constant fussiness. What kind of a witness is that? And this woman's husband was an evangelist, someone who's call is to win the lost. How far do we think she would have gotten with the nursing staff and doctors with this kind of witness? Not far, trust me. It is when we are kind, patient, gentle, joyful and treat others with care that our witness shines the brightest. This woman carried none of that with her. It really broke my heart to be honest. I wanted to go to the next bed, sit down with her, and explain how she was being perceived. But, I didn't. Know why? Because, like Moses, I balked and figured she wouldn't be open to what God had to say and I would be lousy at the saying of it.

Okay, so here's the finale. I failed. I failed at the nutrition stuff by not giving God the allowance of taking over that part of my life. I failed. I failed at reaching out to this woman and sharing how she was hurting her witness with her toxic behavior. And, I failed. I failed to see that God in me is greater than any fear or embarrassment I might suffer for doing what He asked of me. BUT, thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift in Jesus: our redemption and forgiveness of sins! Even through the failure, there is forgiveness to be found and a new start to be had.

So, this day I would encourage you to listen to those around you. Hear the way they talk to each other. Understand that God wants us to speak encouragement into the lives of others and give them a message of hope. The talk around us is terse and depressing. We are God's light in this world. Today, reach out in faith and touch someone's life. You will be blessed in the attempt!

May God richly bless you this day...

CLG-B

This is the day that the Lord has made....

2005-01-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers...

This is the day that the Lord has made and we choose to rejoice and be glad in it. We are preparing today for the surgery tomorrow. It isn't easy. But, we know that the Lord God Almighty is in charge and has His angels at the ready.

Psalm 103:3 (NIV) "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."

God uses lots of different ways to heal. Not everything is instantaneous. Sometimes healing is progressive. Sometimes God uses the wisdom of a surgeon! Tomorrow, God will bless the hands of the surgeon and give wisdom to the anesthesiologist. We have faith. We believe in the Mighty Hand of God!

So, when you remember us on Monday the 24th, pray in faith believing in the power of God to heal Patti and raise her up a testimony to His power and love.

God's blessings as you go throughout this week.

CLG-B

Prayer Request

2005-01-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends,

I am writing this blog to ask for your prayers. My partner, Patti,is having surgery on Monday 1/24. I, of course, will be by her side. The surgery is quite invasive and extensive. That will mean minimal blogging for the next few days. If you would, please remember Patti in your prayers.

On a lighter note, I read a version of this on Beliefnet and it cracked me up...

St. Peter was looking at martial arts masters for entry into heaven. He called a Japanese, Chinese and Jewish expert in the use of swords. The first to demonstrate his skills was the Japanese master. He walked into the court, let loose a fly and with a whoosh of his sword cut the fly in two. St. Peter was impressed! But then the Chinese master entered the court, let loose a fly and with two swings of his sword,cut the fly into four pieces. St.Peter was amazed and all of his guests were extremely impressed! But, then came the Jewish master. He let loose a gnat and with one swipe, the gnat flew away free. "Aha!", said St. Peter. "You missed!" The Jewish master, not missing a beat replied, "Circumcision not meant to kill!"

I love that!

Blessings to all for a wonderful Lord's Day. I will post on the wonder of God's healing through the use of doctors as soon as possible. I appreciate your prayers during this time. We are counting on you to be our intercessors!

Many blessings,

He who forms the mountains...

2005-01-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hi all...

Glad to be back to the land of the living! Whew! My precious partner is feeling much better and is back at work. I know they were thrilled to see her walk in the door this morning. However, I'm sure her desk is piled high with stuff to do! And me? I've got laundry that seems insurmountable!

Ahhh. This was a good morning to be with the Lord. Now, I must admit that I began studying an entirely different passage. I, of course, got completely caught up in the wording and spent over an hour tearing the language apart. Any of you who know me know that I have that challenge. I get caught up in word meanings over and over. Sometimes I just have to shut the books, turn off the computer and all of my many websites and commentaries, and just let the Lord speak.

This all reminds me of how easy it is to get bogged down in the things of this life and not stop long enough to listen. I emailed a message to friends and prayer partners this morning about my partner's upcoming surgery on Monday with all the particulars. My pastor emailed back with a reminder, "You have what you say." Gee, didn't we discuss how powerful our words can be just the other day? Bingo. Why must I learn the same lessons over and over again? And why do I struggle between what 'reality' would say and what God would say? I guess I'm human after all.

Do you ever do the 'flop your Bible open and see where it lands' devotional? Me, too. Today was a good 'flop.' And it's very, very appropriate to the struggle of retraining our reality mentality.

Amos 4:13 (NIV) says, "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth the Lord God Almighty (of hosts-NASB) is his name."

Well, I feel chastised. You have what you say. I thought that spoke to our need to verbalize. Okay, yes it does to some extent. But, doesn't it also speak to knowing who GOD is? If I truly understand that the One God, Jehovah, who formed the mountains and fights for my cause, will I not speak it out? The Lord God Amighty (or of Hosts) speaks of an army ready for battle; an army of angels at God's command. This God of Hosts has His armies at the ready, the whole host of heaven ready to take up my cause! Isn't that just mind-boggling? The God of all creation is standing at the ready with His entire army of angels to care for us.

So, I'm learning every day that I do have what I say. Dear God, get me out of myself and into You so that I might truly understand the working of Your Spirit and the vastness of Your army ready to support and fight for me. So, today I will be meditating on that scripture as I pray for my partner's successful surgery and quick recovery. I would cherish your prayers, too. Just remember, it's positive prayer that gets positive results.

God bless you richly this day...

Yes...I know I've been MIA

2005-01-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hi all...

Please forgive the lack of blogging for the past couple of days. My sweetie and I are both fighting the annoying stomach flu. God-willing, I'll be back late tonight or tomorrow with a timely word from the heart of God. In the meantime, continue to pray for one another and trust in the love of the Lord.

Blessings,
CLG-B

Using Wisdom

2005-01-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

It's a beautiful, cold day in Mississippi. My precious partner who is originally from Hawai'i is freezing and living in thermal undies. Me? Hey, I grew up in New England. I have on shorts and the windows open blasting Audio Adrenaline and Sonic Flood to the outside world! Funny how we are all so different on this planet...yet, so very much the same. That's my philosophy lesson for the day. :-)

I ran across an outline for a study I was doing and it struck me deeply today. I want to share it with you. There is so much to learn in the book of Proverbs. Consider Proverbs 13:10 (NIV), "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." How very true is that?

There is so much in the book of Proverbs to guide us in our every day lives. And many of the verses have wisdom as a central theme. So, why is wisdom so important? Check out Proverbs 3. God formed creation through wisdom. That would say to us that God must see wisdom as of prime importance. Also, when considering Proverbs 13:10, we must conclude that pride can be wisdom's adversary.

What does all this mean? To me, pride is self-sufficiency, but wisdom is God-sufficiency! Take Solomon for example. In 1Kings 3, after Solomon, in obedience to God, made his sacrifice on the altar God says an astonishing thing. In a dream, the NCV says that God came to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Solomon could have asked for anything; wealth, pleasure, or even social status, but he didn't.

What did Solomon ask for? First, Solomon expressed his gratitude to God for God's kindness. Solomon worshiped! He took a moment to praise God for who He is. Then, Solomon acknowledged his weakness and his need for an obedient heart to rule God's people. Solomon submitted to God's authority. Solomon understood the responsibility which was given to him! God was so pleased with Solomon's worship and submission that God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding as Solomon requested. Yet there was more! Because of Solomon's humility (no prideful attitude here!), God blessed Solomon with more than he could have hoped for: riches, honor and a long life!

How does this speak to us today? For starters, God is pleased when we are thankful, full of gratitude for simply who God is. He is touched when we acknowledge our need of Him. And when our requests honor God instead of feed our own egos, God not only gives us that for which we ask, but in addition blesses us with more than we could ever imagine.

James 1:5 (NIV) says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." God yearns to give you the wisdom you need to be successful in your every day life. But, read on: "(6)But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (7) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

Yes, it comes down to faith. If you want to please God, you must operate in faith, in expectancy. If you want wisdom to deal with the situations in your life, you can have it but you must ask for it believing in faith that you will receive that for which you ask. I would encourage you today to be thankful to God and ask Him for those things that would honor Him. Know that God is honored when you seek Him and use the wisdom given through His Holy Spirit to walk through this life.

Seek wisdom, gentle reader, and God will give you so much more than that for which you ask.

May God bless you this day as you serve Him.

MLK Day

2005-01-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle readers,

Today is the celebration of a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I must admit that, living in the deep south, I have heard the argument for this special day from every side imaginable. I did wonder if it was an appropriate holiday since all the others for people in this country are for presidents. But, as always I did my research before I took a side on the arguments.

Today is a political and spiritual commentary. Please, hear me out before you turn away. Dr. King was an historic man for an historic time. I often think that the Lord gives us these extraordinary people to place a mirror in front of our own lives and compel us to look at ourselves in light of His truth. Acts 10 talks of the gentiles hearing the Good News of the gospel. Peter is speaking and says, (34)"I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality. (35) In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right."(NLT) Let's just say the gentiles weren't considered to be special people. But, God in His mercy showed Peter that He came for all people, even though the Jews were His chosen. Through the adoption made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus, all people have access to Amighty God. So...God doesn't show partiality.

Regretfully, humankind continues to show partiality. Black, white, gay, straight...it matters not to God. When God used the word "whosoever" in John 3:16, that's exactly what He meant. Just as God sent Jesus into the world to show us our sin, Martin Luther King rose to extraordinary heights for humankind to show us our partiality and our sin against our fellow man. Now, don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that Martin Luther King was equal with the Christ. What I AM saying is that now and again, ordinary people do extraordinary things which bring us kicking and screaming into a greater understanding of humankind.

Dr. King epitomized that call of God to show no partiality. He brought us into lunch rooms and rest rooms and motels of this country, the forefront of society, and held a mirror of hate up to the public and cried out that what we were doing was wrong...and wrong in the sight of Almighty God. Our faces may appear different, but our hearts are the same. We all want to be free to marry or to not marry, have children or not have children, raise our children in a good society, live in a safe society where war is no longer present. It matters not if you are gay or straight, black or white, of Asian descent or European. We all want the very same things.

I have grown appreciative of this holiday because every year, year after year, Dr. King posthumously holds a mirror up to our lives and challenges us to live in peace with each other. Today I would challenge you. Hold the mirror of freedom up to your life and ask yourself if you, or those in your small circle of influence, are really, truly free? If not, then take a page out of the book of Dr. King, the Bible, and lay your prejudice on the altar and ask God to consume the bad and refine the good and change your heart.

Today, choose to walk in peace with all mankind. And, take a moment to pray for the peace of our world that not one more person die for another's evil or prejudice. In so doing, you will honor Dr. King for his supreme sacrifice to bring about a peaceful change in our society.

So what kind of power do we really possess??

2005-01-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you had a blessed day in the Lord's house. I know we did. Of course, how could any day that you get to share corporate worship of Almighty God be anything other than extraordinary?

Today from our pulpit we heard about God's vision for the new year, with an emphasis on revival, restoration and transformation. Hallelujah! I have to admit that I need all three. The day by day revivial that God brings into our lives as we serve Him keeps us going when we feel emotionally and physically spent. The restoration that the Lord brings to our lives for family members, friends and church family by making what was in pieces whole again is necessary to maintain our fellowship in this world. Of course, He continues to restore us to Himself. And, transformation as we are becoming the Bride of Christ and transformed into His likeness. God blessed us with wonderful interpretive dance and words of prophesy about preparing His Bride for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Needless to say, it was a wonderful time of worship and celebration today. Pretty cool, huh?

All of that has me thinking about the power we have been given in Christ to affect our situations here on Earth. 2 Peter 1:3 says that He has given us, through His power, everything we need for life and godliness. Colossians 1:11 says we are strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. Ephesians 3:20 says that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or think. How? By His glorious power! Even greater...Look at Ephesians 1:17-23. The last half of verse 19 is amazing. "That power is like the working of His mighty strength, (20) which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms." Wow! Did you realize that we have that kind of power if we are in Christ and walk according to His will and His might?? Jesus said that after we received the Holy Spirit we would do, through that power, even more miraculous things than He did on Earth. Within the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, we have the power to raise the dead, heal the lame, make the blind see, and the deaf hear. It is through the annointing of the Holy Spirit that Jesus' work continues. We are His ambassadors to this world. Let us yield to God and go forth in power healing the sick and giving hope to the hopeless.

It's not all about the "sweet by and by". It's about the transforming power of Almighty God, Jehovah Sabaoth, here in this life, on this Earth, overcoming the Enemy on his turf, and bringing about the Kingdom of God on Earth! Amighty God. Warrior God. Overcoming God.

I would challenge you to join me in this quest to be in the perfect will of God, full and annointed of the Holy Spirit, walking through this life in the victory that the power of God brings.

May God bless you as you go through your week. Remember to start your day by surrendering to His leadership.

Welcome to Saturday "TANK" Blogging

2005-01-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ever have days where no matter what you do it turns out all wrong? Welcome to my day. You see, I thought I would share pics of the "kids" on Saturdays since it's one of those down days where you either do everything all in one day or spend the day in a vegetative state in front of the sports channel.

So, my lovely assistant (my partner) took a whole bunch of pics of the dog, Tank. She and the dog are inseparable. If she could bring him to work and church, she would. It's really pathetic, okay? (No, I'm not jealous! Ughh.) She copied all of the pics onto a disk and brought it home from work. I hop online thinking I'll share some cute pictures with you. Will I? No. Why not? Computer won't read 'em.

What do you do with a project that falls apart in your lap? (Well, besides find the chocolate.) You IMPROVISE! Yes, there are days when we plan and plan like good folks and God comes along and says it just isn't His plan for the day. The most important thing in a moment like that is to ask Him what His plan is. Of course, that is what we should have done in the first place, right?

So, todays thoughts are on hearing God's plan. We have to make ourselves stop. It's so easy to just change directions and go our own way again. We are too quick to just assign this little hiccup to the back of our minds and move forward on our own.

But, God says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." (Jn 10:27) We should be listening for God's voice always. Oh how often have we gone our own way only to cry out to the Lord to save us from our own errors. Life would be so much simpler and better were we to listen to the voice of our Lord before setting out on any venture.

The word used for learn here is akouo which means to understand, comprehend or recognize. To me, Jesus is saying that we are to actively listen for His voice on a moment by moment basis so that we will know which way we are to go, or what we are to do...or conversely, not do. Are we actively listening for His voice??

So, today's short little lesson for me is to learn to stop and listen to the voice of God first, before making any mistakes that could really muck up a day!

Today, stop and listen for His voice and follow Him.

God's blessings for a glorious Lord's Day.

Is Your Tongue Saved?

2005-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Friday! TGIF!

Yesterday I saw one of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts on TV. I like Joyce. She's straight to the point and real. She doesn't hide her faults behind her Christianity. She gives them to you as a lesson and hope that you grow through her mistakes.

She was talking about our speech. (She also has a tape series on the topic "Is your Tongue Saved" and I'm fixing to get it!) We so often face difficulties and we talk about how God will be our strength in them. But, the minute an attack from the Enemy comes, we fold by confessing those things that aren't in agreement with what God says. Hey, I'm guilty of it and I'm sure you have done the same thing before, too.

James 3 says (NLT), "(7)People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, (8)but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. (9)Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. (10)And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!(11)Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? (12) Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool."

I don't know about you, but that speaks deeply to my heart. It's not enough to have your soul saved. Okay, let me back up...it's enough for entry into the Kingdom. But, when we give account for how we used our time here on this Earth, I don't think by the standard we read above that God will be passing out any jewels for the crowns. To live in victory in this life, we must gain self-control and operate in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-25). These verses talk about crucifying the flesh, that is our earthly passions and desires.

Don't you desire to live in victory in this life and not just muddle through?? So do I! We bring about that victory by the things we say and do. The example Joyce gave on this really put light on some areas of my life that were of confusion to me. She said if you feel really rotten with a cold (or something similar) and someone asks you how you're feeling, don't lie about it. Say you feel rotten. But...here's the important part...bring up the rear of that comment with a positive confession in Christ. "I'm not feeling well today, but I know God is the Great Physician and has healed my diseases and illnesses and I am well in Christ." Get it? You're affirming God's ability to be your Healer and Deliverer.

I've been around folks that, to me, are just living in denial but clothing it in spirituality. They are feeling rotten but if you ask them they deny it altogether. "No, why would you say that? That's a negative confession, a word curse you just put on me. I feel great!" Now, do I believe in word curses? Sure I do. I mean, we have the power of Christ working in us, right? He cursed a fig tree and it died. The Bible is clear we will do greater things now that the Holy Spirit is in the world.

But...hear me clearly...denial is wrong. Speaking the world's truth and then overcoming it with the heavenly truth of the Word of God is the power of and Spirit of Christ, in my opinion.

So...just as Luke 6:45b says that, "...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.", so out of the abundance of our heart, our mouth speaks. Is your heart full of the abundant life of service to the Lord? Are you speaking those things which are pleasing to him, blessing and not cursing? If not, join me today in praying that the Lord will be the ruler of your mouth and your heart. Let's get our words in line with the Word!

May God richly bless you this day and may you bless God by your words!

Another day, another chore

2005-01-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Welcome to Thursday. Yes, another day, another chore. Do you have days where you get up in dread knowing that you have so much to do that it feels overwhelming? I think, really, we all do. It doesn't matter whether it's at your place of work and you have a project looming overhead. It doesn't matter if you are a homemaker with six loads of laundry. It is so very easy to be distracted by the enormity of the workload that we forget God.

Colossians 3:17 says, (NIV) "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

That's a great verse to keep in our hearts. But, even more encouraging are the words prior to this verse. Read all of Colossians 3. We are said to be God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved. We are told to "put on love." We must allow the peace of Christ to rule in our bodies. We are admonished to be thankful, and to teach each other with wisdom. We must sing songs that are spiritual, hymns and psalms with gratitude. Wow! That is our duty and our joy.

Today, when I looked at the pile of laundry or the dishes in the sink (or the place where the dog had an accident), I wasn't thinking about thankfulness and hymns. That, my gentle readers, is not how God wants us to live. He wants us to live in holiness, peace, thankfulness, wisdom...and singing! Listen, you don't have to have a great voice to sing. And, to sing the psalms to God is a wonderfully spiritual experience.

When I realized what God expected out of me for this day, I had to tell Him I was sorry to have failed Him. The wonderful thing is that where sin abounds, grace abounds that much more. (Romans 5:20) Repentance is the most wonderful, freeing experience. It's like having a good cry over something you've done wrong only to sniffle your last and feel relieved for the release of the weight of the deed.

So, just like I need to now go forward, thankful for His grace that brings forgiveness and make my way through those chores, I would encourage you to look at your day and do the same. You will be surprised how glad your heart will feel; the joy that will come springing from your soul as you sing in thankfulness your way through your day.

May God bring you a new song of praise and gratitude for this day, the day the Lord has made. Go rejoicing and be glad in it!

Many blessings,

The Difficult Times of our Lives

2005-01-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone...

While driving my partner to work this morning, I was so struck by the beauty of the sun on the water. We take the road by the beach each morning. Some mornings it's foggy. Some, raining. But, today it was simply beautiful; one of God's gorgeous paintings on the canvas of His creation.

We were talking about those days when you just feel yucky. You know we all have them. For me, they are days when I want to pull the covers over my head and sleep through the day with hopes tomorrow will be better. I have yet to meet someone who's sun-shiny all the time. And the few who seem that way are, generally IMHO, faking it. It takes guts to be real. It takes guts to acknowledge a yucky day in the face of optimistic people.

While we were talking, that verse you hear over and over in times like this stuck in my head. It's the last half of Psalm 30:5 and says (NIV), "..weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." We all quote that verse. And, always we quote just the back half of it. Funny how we pull stuff out of context in the Bible to meet our needs.

But, in this case I think it is a good thing. Does the writer, most likely David, really mean a literal night and a literal morning? I don't think so. What I do think is that he talks to us about the seasons of our lives. There was an old song that Frank Sinatra sang about the seasons of our lives. I believe it starts off..."When I was 17, it was a very good year...". And, so do we have seasons. In Ecclesiastes 3, the speaker talks of the seasons of life. Take a moment to read it today. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says (NIV), "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance".

All of this reminds us that no matter the season, there is another right behind it. If you are depressed today, there is joy on the way so hold on to His hand and wait on Him. If you are sorrowful today, there is a time of dancing on the way, so give your sorrow to the Lord and He will teach you to dance. But, conversely, you can know that if you are jumping for joy today, you will have seasons of difficulty. So, you must prepare your heart in the Lord so you can weather those storms of life.

I would encourage you today to take your heart to the Lord and let Him show you how to live in victory over those seasons of darkness that the Enemy would try to use to destroy our walk with God. Remember, joy always comes in the morning. And the Enemy has already been defeated. Learn to dance in the Lord!

May God richly bless you today.

What is Surrender?

2005-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hello. Well, as we talked about before I'm going through Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Filled Life." I am learning much. Yesterday's lesson was on surrender, or submission, to God. You know, I thought I was at that point but I find there is much work to be done. If you go through The New Strong's Concise Concordance, there isn't a listing for surrender. You have to check out submit to get an idea of the language used. Even then, it quotes only Hebrews 13:17 as reference. So, when left to my own devices, I turn to Webster's Dictionary. Now, the one I have is old, but a dictionary is a dictionary to me unless you're looking at new words. (Bohemian, I know.) The listing is really long so I'll paraphrase as much as I can. "to give up possession of or power over...to give up claim to...abandon..." That made me think. Have I really submitted, surrendered all I am to Almighty God? Have I given up claim to my life? Have I given God all the power over my life and how it is lived? Have I served God with abandon, knowing He is the One who has the final say?

Okay, OUCH! There are so many ways in which I fail to surrender. And, since I truly want to be a godly minister to the people to which God has called me, I have to put my hands in the air and give up. That's why I love worship that is more expressive. I can put my hands in the air to (1) surrender to God, and (2) ask Him to pick me up and make it better. This life can really beat us up emotionally, huh? So, I want my Heavenly Father to reach down and let me surrender to His love. Isn't that a neat visual?

So, on to surrender. I wonder if anyone else is scared of failure. I wonder if anyone else is afraid to succeed fearing they won't be able to keep it up. Basically, I wonder. The place to which I've come says that I cannot be fully used by God unless I reach total and absolute surrender to His will and His way. That comes with serious knee time included. Prayer, my dear readers: Deep, unbound, walls-down prayer to God. I think that once we get outside ourselves and can pray with that kind of openness, then God can speak to us freely. It's like unplugging your spiritual ears. Get the wax out of your spiritual ears and then you can hear clearly.

So, today, I encourage you to look at your life as I will mine. Reach inside and know that there is nothing to fear because God is love and love takes away fear. Open yourself up to the Heavenly Father who created you and knows you, and you will find rest for your souls. Pray with your spirit as you never have before. Then, you will hear clearly the still, small voice of Almighty God speaking to you as you could have only imagined.

May this day bring you blessing, healing, comfort and prosperity in the Lord.

Opening comments

2005-01-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Well, they say blue is an intelligent color. I hope it is indicative of the type of opinions I post and the comments you send my way.

For starters, let's think about religion in America. Whoa, big subject. My personal opinion is that we often play church, not taking into account the severity of our vows or the sincerity of our hearts. It is too easy to just go, day dream through the preaching or the homily, and then go home unchanged. We exchanged the truth for a lie. In my case, my Christianity is there so I can please my creator and redeemer. But IMHO, I see so many go Sunday after Sunday expecting to be entertained. Could it be that the real church, the church of the end age, is separating itself to be holy and in worship waiting for the second coming of their Lord? Possible. What do you think?