We never planned to climb a mountain, but we thought we would at least walk in the snow. Instead, the trusty Kia got too tired to drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge. Already pointed downhill, Nicole and I went for a smaller, quieter adventure along the old access road that parallels the ONP road to the visitor center.
Nicole spent 2013 visiting 11 different countries to partner with many local organizations that share the Story of Jesus. She shared beautiful stories of God using broken people like us to change the world. We talked about glamour and grit and the parts of life that are just, well, there.
This year was about grace. Aren't they all?
God uses us no matter what. He uses us when we're hurt or sick. He uses us when we're not quite ready, not together, not perfect. He doesn't even care if we are cute or not. God uses everyone as they are.
We talked about grace and truth. Unfortunately, there's this idea that grace and truth have to balance, like a see-saw. Grace wins. Truth wins. How is that possible? Jesus WINS.
It seems fitting that we didn't even come close to climbing a mountain today. Still, we had a wonderful time. That's how grace works :)
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
quieter
Statistically, this year has been quieter on the blog. It's been quieter, over all. Perhaps that comes from growing older. Maybe, I've just realized my little experiences aren't ground-breaking news. But, the year itself has felt, well, quieter.
No whirlwind romances this year. No summers abroad. No contested political races.
Sure, there were some polarizing theological views. And I did start a new job and move into a new home. Yet, overall, the stories have grown shorter and quieter.
I still don't like quiet.
However, I recognize how important quiet is.
The verse that's always there:
Be still, and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10
No whirlwind romances this year. No summers abroad. No contested political races.
Sure, there were some polarizing theological views. And I did start a new job and move into a new home. Yet, overall, the stories have grown shorter and quieter.
I still don't like quiet.
However, I recognize how important quiet is.
The verse that's always there:
Be still, and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10
slower
I have this theory:
The shortened days of northern Decembers make you feel that there are fewer hours to be productive. Then, the long nights encourage you to a) spend a LOT of time with friends and family and/or b) worry about all of the things you still need to accomplish.
Here it is, the final week of Advent. Christmas is nearly here.
The short days can't capture the full story. Sure, the tree is decorated and the gifts are wrapped. I've even managed to mail Christmas cards (the 2013 ones, along with a few 2011 ones that were unearthed in a box of ornaments). But Christmas readiness can't be measured by presents, lights, or even the number of parties attended.
It always takes a few days for my heart to slow down for Christmas.
Detox time.
Time to separate the radio ads from the meaning of Christmas. Time to refocus on the audacity of the Creator to become a child of poverty. Time to crumple into worship posture. Time to bless the King with time.
If the days were longer, we might miss these opportunities.
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. -Matt 2:11
Sunday, December 1, 2013
outrageous
"Unexpected God,
your advent alarms us.
Wake us from drowsy worship,
from the sleep that neglects love,
and the sedative of misdirected frenzy.
Awaken us now to your coming,
and bend our angers into your peace. Amen."
-Revised Common Lectionary, Vanderbilt
Advent is my favorite season. Better than any of the weather seasons. It's the most unpredictable of all. Advent is the season of miracles, when the rules break for God's credit. Advent is the season where the impossible and improbable are answered, where God gets the victory, and where grace is poured into the dirtiest and darkest corners.
Advent is when you wait for inevitable rejoicing.
So, this advent my church is getting behind the impossible vision of a young woman. (Sounds familiar, if you think about it for very long...)
http://outrageouschristmas.com/
your advent alarms us.
Wake us from drowsy worship,
from the sleep that neglects love,
and the sedative of misdirected frenzy.
Awaken us now to your coming,
and bend our angers into your peace. Amen."
-Revised Common Lectionary, Vanderbilt
Advent is my favorite season. Better than any of the weather seasons. It's the most unpredictable of all. Advent is the season of miracles, when the rules break for God's credit. Advent is the season where the impossible and improbable are answered, where God gets the victory, and where grace is poured into the dirtiest and darkest corners.
Advent is when you wait for inevitable rejoicing.
So, this advent my church is getting behind the impossible vision of a young woman. (Sounds familiar, if you think about it for very long...)
http://outrageouschristmas.com/
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Ephesians 5
Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – and find out what pleases the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church, for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.