I'm enjoying another day at St. Meinrads. Lots of silence. Solitude. Reading. Writing. Thinking. But I am aware that my time here is quickly drawing to a close. I am ready.
I have been thinking about reentry.
Reentry back into life in Indy, back into ministry, back into friendships and calling.
I am - slowly! - coming to know myself both in the beauty of who God designed me to be and in my deep brokenness as a person. Those two things - my beauty and my brokenness - seem to reside together, intricately woven so that seeing them clearly and distinctly is a challenge. I know that God has wired me as a man of vision of action of the deed. This is part of his design of me. Yet, in my brokenness I tend to be, as Jenny puts it, a "bulldozer"; to push people over in the goal of the vision, the deed and the glory of the challenge. By his grace, during this sabbatical time, God has been teaching me wisdom. That sometimes the Act and the Deed is achieved by a long waiting, by listening, by understanding the nature of a person or task.
So as I return, I want to walk in that wisdom. I want to listen to people. To ponder and meditate and pray more. And, when I act, for act I must, I want it to be at the right time and in the right way and driven by internal convictions and not just external exigencies and motivated by knowing the pleasure of God is on my, not because of what I do but because of who I am, his beloved son.
I want to remember that I am not a "human doing" but a "human being"...
Beyond that deep thinking, I'm very much looking forward to returning to my city, Indianapolis, and to my family and to my friends. I am very much looking forward to their presence: the laughter and smile of my children and embrace of Jenny; my friends in all their "hilaritas" and uniqueness and "differentness" and, yes, to the great challenges and mighty deeds that await as as we wait and work and love in the strength God gives us.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Prayer...Some Thoughts
My time at St. Meinrads has been a good time for prayer. I haven't forced myself to pray. But I have found myself praying.
I have been praying "in the name of Jesus". In John 15 and 16 Jesus teaches his followers to pray "in his name." Jesus says, "You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:16) And, "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in in my name." (John 16:23-26)
To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with all the reality of Jesus behind your prayers! It is to pray knowing that Jesus sits on the right hand of God as your Advocated, Mediator, and Priest. It is to come boldly into the presence of The Great and Holy God because Jesus has made a way for you by his death on the Cross. It is to know that you are covered in the beauty of Jesus when you come to God. It is to know that because you love Jesus, the Father delights in you. To pray in the name of Jesus is to pray to God as your Abba, your Dearly Beloved Father. To pray in the name of Jesus means that you come to God as an eternally loved son, that you are an heir of the universe, that God is your Father and all things are yours. To pray in the name of Jesus means to know that the great enemies of our soul - sin, death and hell and Satan - have been defeated. To pray in the name of Jesus is to bear a nobility and dignity as a prince of heaven. To pray in the name of Jesus is to pray with the authority and earnestness of a son of God. To pray in Jesus name means to know that you are bought by the precious blood of Christ. To pray in the name of Jesus means to know the future of the world will culminate in the triumph of Christ the True King of Heaven and Earth.
So I have been praying in the name of Jesus.
And, in my prayers for others - for my family and for my church family - I have been praying that God's design in them, what I call their core or ultimate identity, would be powerfully lived out in their lives. I am praying that God would grant his children the boldness for them to be who He has designed them to be! I am praying that their ultimate identity in God, their true name, would trump all the secondary idnentities that so easily define, motivate, control and, eventually, enslave.
One last thought about prayer. It is going to be very difficult for me to remain at St. Meinrads tomorrow, the first day of school. In IPS, the first day of school is "Dads, bring your kids to school day." There is an emphasis, a push, for dads to go to school with their kids, to show their kids support and how important and education is. Ever since I have been in Indy, I have taken my kids to school on the first day of School.
But Wednesday, tomorrow, I won't be there. Of course, I could make the trip up to Indy (it wouldn't be so bad in the Mustang convertible I'm renting), but I know that I shouldn't; I know that it is best for me to be away at St. Meinrads, resting, thinking, praying, meditating.
So, what can I do? I can pray? I can pray for Jacob as he begins his sophmore year at Tech. I can pray for Julian as he begins his eight grade year at Crispus Attucks. I can pray for Judah as he begins his sixth grade year at Crispus Attucks. I can pray for Jackie as she begins her 3rd grade year at School #14. And, when I pray, I know this. My children are not alone. Their Heavenly Father goes with them. The God of their father, the God of Jason, goes with them. The God who is Mighty, A Rock, A Refuge, A Physician, A Lamb and a Lion goes with them. He is mighty to save. So tomorrow, as my children go to school, and I set myself under the discipline of prayer and solitude and waiting, I will pray.
I have been praying "in the name of Jesus". In John 15 and 16 Jesus teaches his followers to pray "in his name." Jesus says, "You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:16) And, "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in in my name." (John 16:23-26)
To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with all the reality of Jesus behind your prayers! It is to pray knowing that Jesus sits on the right hand of God as your Advocated, Mediator, and Priest. It is to come boldly into the presence of The Great and Holy God because Jesus has made a way for you by his death on the Cross. It is to know that you are covered in the beauty of Jesus when you come to God. It is to know that because you love Jesus, the Father delights in you. To pray in the name of Jesus is to pray to God as your Abba, your Dearly Beloved Father. To pray in the name of Jesus means that you come to God as an eternally loved son, that you are an heir of the universe, that God is your Father and all things are yours. To pray in the name of Jesus means to know that the great enemies of our soul - sin, death and hell and Satan - have been defeated. To pray in the name of Jesus is to bear a nobility and dignity as a prince of heaven. To pray in the name of Jesus is to pray with the authority and earnestness of a son of God. To pray in Jesus name means to know that you are bought by the precious blood of Christ. To pray in the name of Jesus means to know the future of the world will culminate in the triumph of Christ the True King of Heaven and Earth.
So I have been praying in the name of Jesus.
And, in my prayers for others - for my family and for my church family - I have been praying that God's design in them, what I call their core or ultimate identity, would be powerfully lived out in their lives. I am praying that God would grant his children the boldness for them to be who He has designed them to be! I am praying that their ultimate identity in God, their true name, would trump all the secondary idnentities that so easily define, motivate, control and, eventually, enslave.
One last thought about prayer. It is going to be very difficult for me to remain at St. Meinrads tomorrow, the first day of school. In IPS, the first day of school is "Dads, bring your kids to school day." There is an emphasis, a push, for dads to go to school with their kids, to show their kids support and how important and education is. Ever since I have been in Indy, I have taken my kids to school on the first day of School.
But Wednesday, tomorrow, I won't be there. Of course, I could make the trip up to Indy (it wouldn't be so bad in the Mustang convertible I'm renting), but I know that I shouldn't; I know that it is best for me to be away at St. Meinrads, resting, thinking, praying, meditating.
So, what can I do? I can pray? I can pray for Jacob as he begins his sophmore year at Tech. I can pray for Julian as he begins his eight grade year at Crispus Attucks. I can pray for Judah as he begins his sixth grade year at Crispus Attucks. I can pray for Jackie as she begins her 3rd grade year at School #14. And, when I pray, I know this. My children are not alone. Their Heavenly Father goes with them. The God of their father, the God of Jason, goes with them. The God who is Mighty, A Rock, A Refuge, A Physician, A Lamb and a Lion goes with them. He is mighty to save. So tomorrow, as my children go to school, and I set myself under the discipline of prayer and solitude and waiting, I will pray.
St. Meinrads
I'm writing this blog from the second floor of the library at St. Meinrads monastery in southern Indiana. I love libraries: old books, quiet, spiritual riches. I'm found a number of helpful books on the life of Jacob (I'm preaching from the story of Jacob this fall) and I have diving into a number of books that are giving me much to chew on regarding Identity Mapping.
I drove to St. Meinrads in a 2003 GT Mustang convertible. We had some extra money left over from the grant and I needed to rent a car for the trip to St. Meinrads so I thought it would be fun to rent a mustang. The problem was that I couldn't rent any from any of the rental dealerships in Indy: they either didn't have them in stock as rental cars, or you had to rent a premium vehicle and upgrade to a mustang (if there were any available at the time). It was Friday, and I had to leave on Sunday. I thought I would give it one last try and called my friend Josh Nottingham up. Josh leads MATS which is a car dealership that specializes in online buying and selling of cars, especially for people in ministry. It just so happened, Josh said, that he had been driving a mustang convertible and would be happy to let me use it for a week...So there I was, driving the mustang with the warm wind in my face, to St. Meinrads.
What has it been like at St. Meinrads?
Silence, Solitude...
A lot of time to think and pray.
Time to read and write.
I have ordered my days like this:
Wake around 6:00am or so (I'm not setting my alarm!)
Pray and Read
Jog (I have a path I take that winds around a few small lakes, through woods, up a hill, etc.)
Shower, Shave
7:00 call Jenny and the kids
7:30 Breakfast (usually no one is in the eating room; breakfast is served continental style)
8:00 Return to my room; pray
9:00 Go to the library and work
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Break, lay on my bed and think
1:00-4:30 work in the library; read; write; prep sermons.
4:30 check e-mail
5:00 dinner (again by myself)
5:30 rest
6:00 Jog (same route)
Shower
7:00-11:00 work...in the evenings I spend more time thinking about my calling, what work I want to do this year; I also take time to pray for the congregation.
Sleep
This has been a good time for me. It has been a time to rest and think. I feel like I have owned spiritual truth and reality here because I've had time to meditate and pray and chew on things. So I'm glad for this time. But will be glad to be home soon too!
I drove to St. Meinrads in a 2003 GT Mustang convertible. We had some extra money left over from the grant and I needed to rent a car for the trip to St. Meinrads so I thought it would be fun to rent a mustang. The problem was that I couldn't rent any from any of the rental dealerships in Indy: they either didn't have them in stock as rental cars, or you had to rent a premium vehicle and upgrade to a mustang (if there were any available at the time). It was Friday, and I had to leave on Sunday. I thought I would give it one last try and called my friend Josh Nottingham up. Josh leads MATS which is a car dealership that specializes in online buying and selling of cars, especially for people in ministry. It just so happened, Josh said, that he had been driving a mustang convertible and would be happy to let me use it for a week...So there I was, driving the mustang with the warm wind in my face, to St. Meinrads.
What has it been like at St. Meinrads?
Silence, Solitude...
A lot of time to think and pray.
Time to read and write.
I have ordered my days like this:
Wake around 6:00am or so (I'm not setting my alarm!)
Pray and Read
Jog (I have a path I take that winds around a few small lakes, through woods, up a hill, etc.)
Shower, Shave
7:00 call Jenny and the kids
7:30 Breakfast (usually no one is in the eating room; breakfast is served continental style)
8:00 Return to my room; pray
9:00 Go to the library and work
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Break, lay on my bed and think
1:00-4:30 work in the library; read; write; prep sermons.
4:30 check e-mail
5:00 dinner (again by myself)
5:30 rest
6:00 Jog (same route)
Shower
7:00-11:00 work...in the evenings I spend more time thinking about my calling, what work I want to do this year; I also take time to pray for the congregation.
Sleep
This has been a good time for me. It has been a time to rest and think. I feel like I have owned spiritual truth and reality here because I've had time to meditate and pray and chew on things. So I'm glad for this time. But will be glad to be home soon too!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Jacob did it...
Well, Jacob finally did it! He got contacts.
This should help his running career a bit. The rain was pouring down in one of the last races he ran. I'm not sure how he was able to see because I thought surly he could use some wind shied wipers on his glasses! Thankfully, the race was on a track...After that race I determined that he at least would try contacts...we'll see if he wears them! : )
This should help his running career a bit. The rain was pouring down in one of the last races he ran. I'm not sure how he was able to see because I thought surly he could use some wind shied wipers on his glasses! Thankfully, the race was on a track...After that race I determined that he at least would try contacts...we'll see if he wears them! : )
A Welcome Home Surprises...
On our flight home we had a layover in Houston. Walking toward our gate I heard a familiar voice call out my name. Now, I had just been traveling all over the world and was not expecting anyone to know me!! It happened to be a much loved coach from Jacob's middle school, Harshman. It was Coach V.
When you look back on your life there are certain people that stand out in your mind. They may be coaches, teachers, or friends. Coach V is one of those people. I don't know how many kids he has had contact with but I know there will be a string of kids that refer back to their school day experiences and say, "If it hadn't been for Coach V believing in me...I wouldn't be were I am today!"
Seeing Coach V was part of our transitioning back home. It was a sweet reminder of all the good things we like about our life here in Indy!
We give thanks for Coach V and all the other adults who make a difference in the lives of kids.
When you look back on your life there are certain people that stand out in your mind. They may be coaches, teachers, or friends. Coach V is one of those people. I don't know how many kids he has had contact with but I know there will be a string of kids that refer back to their school day experiences and say, "If it hadn't been for Coach V believing in me...I wouldn't be were I am today!"
Seeing Coach V was part of our transitioning back home. It was a sweet reminder of all the good things we like about our life here in Indy!
We give thanks for Coach V and all the other adults who make a difference in the lives of kids.
The climb of death part 2 - well actually it was in a boat!
Around 10am one morning, Jacob decided that he would swim out to the buoy. We are staying at our cousins beach house on Camano Island. Uncle Roger was telling Jacob how he often goes for a swim...and Jason was telling Jacob how he often went for a swim when he was Jacob's age..so Jacob is all pumped up and ready and decides he will also go for his "own" swim.
It's not warm out and the water is cold (50 degrees F or perhaps lower) cold enough to be very cold. It's the Puget Sound. Jacob starts his swim and looks strong. Then Jason notices that Jacob is breathing hard and starting to grunt - then Jacob begins floating on his back. That's when we realize Jacob is in trouble. Anyway, Jacob had the presence of mind to swim to the boat that was at anchored. He pulled the ladder out and climbed in. Jason scrambled around and found the oars to the row boat and headed out to rescue Jacob.
Sometimes when we need some one to rescue us we think that we have failed in our task. This was such a proud moment for Jason and I as we saw Jacob problem solve and realize his limits. It's not easy to ask for help or wait to be rescued...some people would see this as a defeat but we saw it as a great victory for Jacob!
----
Jacob also had a 2nd adventure that same day. It involved a boat and lots of cold water....you'll have to ask Jacob for the rest of the story!
It's not warm out and the water is cold (50 degrees F or perhaps lower) cold enough to be very cold. It's the Puget Sound. Jacob starts his swim and looks strong. Then Jason notices that Jacob is breathing hard and starting to grunt - then Jacob begins floating on his back. That's when we realize Jacob is in trouble. Anyway, Jacob had the presence of mind to swim to the boat that was at anchored. He pulled the ladder out and climbed in. Jason scrambled around and found the oars to the row boat and headed out to rescue Jacob.
Sometimes when we need some one to rescue us we think that we have failed in our task. This was such a proud moment for Jason and I as we saw Jacob problem solve and realize his limits. It's not easy to ask for help or wait to be rescued...some people would see this as a defeat but we saw it as a great victory for Jacob!
----
Jacob also had a 2nd adventure that same day. It involved a boat and lots of cold water....you'll have to ask Jacob for the rest of the story!
What makes your heart sing...
Jason drove off Sunday afternoon for St. Meinrads in a mustang for the last week of his sabbatical.
What makes Jason's heart sing? I can tell you!!!
1. People
2. Salmon Fishing, and
3. Driving a convertible mustang
There have been several moments during our sabbatical where I saw Jason experience pure joy. Driving the Mustang was one of those times!
One of the things we will take away from our sabbatical was the time Jason spent learning more about Winston Churchill. Churchill worked hard and he played hard. I think we are always afraid to "play hard" because it seems so unnecessary and a waste of time, money and resources. What we have learned from Churchill is the necessity to play hard - which in the end does rejuvenate the soul and prepare you to work hard.
So with that in mind and the question we were to answer from our sabbatical grant, "What makes your heart sing?", Jason rented a convertible mustang! It's funny how some things can bring such joy and laughter to your soul as driving around in a convertible mustang. I can't think of a better way to end our time together as a family than having each one of us ask Jason/dad to take us for another ride around the block...in the Mustang!
Errands...
Errands...not much fun but necessary - actually, I had a lot of fun grocery shopping! I was back at my favorite grocery store, Aldi.
Since we've been back, this is what my week has looked like.
Tuesday: Grocery shop
Wednesday: Register Jacob at Tech, Julian and Judah at Attucks. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Thursday: Julian at the orthodontist and Julian and Jackie at the dentist. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Friday: School supply shopping. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Saturday: Recuperate
Sunday: Church and haircuts for 4 kids
Monday: 1 dentist apt and 2 eye appointments. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Tuesday: Do nothing - last day of summer vacation. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Wednesday: First day of school
After looking at Jacob and Julian's class schedule we are all looking forward to a challenging school year.
Julian, 8th grade at Attuckes) will be taking Algebra II, high school Chemistry, Latin, Honors Social Studies, Honors Language Arts, PE and Advanced Band (Julian plays the saxophone). Julian will be playing soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter.
Jacob will be taking Chemistry, Scientific Research, AP US History, English, Latin, Pre Calculus and thank goodness...gym. Jacob will run Xcountry in the fall, backstage crew for the drama productions as his schedule allows and Track in the spring.
Judah will start as a 6th grader at Attucks. He is looking forward to having a locker and changing class. He will be taking art with his good friend Tyrecce and they will probably have several study sessions together as they both will be in the same Math Transitions II class. Judah will also be taking Etymology the first semester and Latin the 2nd semester. Judah will play soccer and then spend the rest of the year recuperating from the whirlwind of transition of being a middle schooler. He is really excited and feels well prepared. We will stop by the school one more time today so that he can do a practice run and find all of his classes.
Jackie is looking forward to finally having one of our favorite teachers, Mrs. Perry. She will also transition and move upstairs with all the big kids! Mrs. Perry is known for having perfect attendance and Jackie is going to try to get perfect attendance this year as well. Mrs. Perry has taught all of our kids and says she is really looking forward to having a Dorsey this year! After traveling in England and seeing all the children walk or ride their bikes to school, Jackie and I are going to try to ride our bikes to school but have decided it will all depend upon the weather!
I'm going to take a big breath once school starts and sit quietly on my front porch contemplating all the things I have done in this last year!
Since we've been back, this is what my week has looked like.
Tuesday: Grocery shop
Wednesday: Register Jacob at Tech, Julian and Judah at Attucks. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Thursday: Julian at the orthodontist and Julian and Jackie at the dentist. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Friday: School supply shopping. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Saturday: Recuperate
Sunday: Church and haircuts for 4 kids
Monday: 1 dentist apt and 2 eye appointments. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Tuesday: Do nothing - last day of summer vacation. Soccer and Xcountry practice.
Wednesday: First day of school
After looking at Jacob and Julian's class schedule we are all looking forward to a challenging school year.
Julian, 8th grade at Attuckes) will be taking Algebra II, high school Chemistry, Latin, Honors Social Studies, Honors Language Arts, PE and Advanced Band (Julian plays the saxophone). Julian will be playing soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter.
Jacob will be taking Chemistry, Scientific Research, AP US History, English, Latin, Pre Calculus and thank goodness...gym. Jacob will run Xcountry in the fall, backstage crew for the drama productions as his schedule allows and Track in the spring.
Judah will start as a 6th grader at Attucks. He is looking forward to having a locker and changing class. He will be taking art with his good friend Tyrecce and they will probably have several study sessions together as they both will be in the same Math Transitions II class. Judah will also be taking Etymology the first semester and Latin the 2nd semester. Judah will play soccer and then spend the rest of the year recuperating from the whirlwind of transition of being a middle schooler. He is really excited and feels well prepared. We will stop by the school one more time today so that he can do a practice run and find all of his classes.
Jackie is looking forward to finally having one of our favorite teachers, Mrs. Perry. She will also transition and move upstairs with all the big kids! Mrs. Perry is known for having perfect attendance and Jackie is going to try to get perfect attendance this year as well. Mrs. Perry has taught all of our kids and says she is really looking forward to having a Dorsey this year! After traveling in England and seeing all the children walk or ride their bikes to school, Jackie and I are going to try to ride our bikes to school but have decided it will all depend upon the weather!
I'm going to take a big breath once school starts and sit quietly on my front porch contemplating all the things I have done in this last year!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Can you help us out?!!
Next Saturday night at Redeemer at 6:30 pm we are supposed to share stories and pictures of our trip. I am wondering what would be of interest to you? What would you like to hear about?!!
You can email me with your thoughts. I'm a little overwhelmed when I think of the hundreds and thousands of pictures we have!
-Jenny
You can email me with your thoughts. I'm a little overwhelmed when I think of the hundreds and thousands of pictures we have!
-Jenny
Restringing the Bow
I'm sitting here at the desk, relaxing in our house and listening to music on Nathan's Partain's music web sight: "The Lord is my delight...In him I have everything. To him my soul belongs"...
It is gesture, for me, of rest. I know that all around me are trials and troubles, sorrows and work. I am aware that my colleagues at Redeemer have borne a heavy work load in my absence. I am aware of the heavy lifting awaiting me on my return.
But for now, I rest. One way that I have described our sabbatical season is "the unbending of the bow." Being away from my work, from the constant cares and bearing of burdens that come with pastoral ministry, being with my family on a journey of a lifetime, and doing things I love to do such as travelling and fishing, all have allowed me to "unbend the bow."
The strings have fallen from their notch. The bow is relaxed, at rest, no longer taunt. Unbent.
So how do I feel about the work that awaits me?
I see the work before me more clearly than I did 8 years ago (when our family moved to Indy and I began serving as pastor at Redeemer). I see before me the great suffering and sadness and brokenness of our city. I see the aches and longings and trials of the hearts of the members of my congregation. I see, also, the vast, unbounded potential in them to change and renew our beloved city as they experience in deeper and deeper ways the grace of Jesus and learn to live out their core identity. I see a whole generation of young people in our city being raised without a father. And I see the need for raising up a host of gospel pace-setting leaders to reach this next generation. I see the need, now more than ever, to cultivate life-giving spiritual friendships. I see the need for collaborators across the sectors of life to partner together on our common cause of city renewal. And to all that are willing to share in the work of the gospel I say, in the words of Churchill, all I have to promise is "blood, toil, tears and sweat."
But as I look at all the work that is before us, and the blood, toil, tears and sweat that will be ours, I do so with a sense of great buoyancy and confidence. Christ our King is a great Savior! He, our leader, goes before us preparing the way! His name is worthy of our greatest and noblest exertions! He is the Great Comforter and will care for us in all of our sorrows.
It is gesture, for me, of rest. I know that all around me are trials and troubles, sorrows and work. I am aware that my colleagues at Redeemer have borne a heavy work load in my absence. I am aware of the heavy lifting awaiting me on my return.
But for now, I rest. One way that I have described our sabbatical season is "the unbending of the bow." Being away from my work, from the constant cares and bearing of burdens that come with pastoral ministry, being with my family on a journey of a lifetime, and doing things I love to do such as travelling and fishing, all have allowed me to "unbend the bow."
The strings have fallen from their notch. The bow is relaxed, at rest, no longer taunt. Unbent.
So how do I feel about the work that awaits me?
I see the work before me more clearly than I did 8 years ago (when our family moved to Indy and I began serving as pastor at Redeemer). I see before me the great suffering and sadness and brokenness of our city. I see the aches and longings and trials of the hearts of the members of my congregation. I see, also, the vast, unbounded potential in them to change and renew our beloved city as they experience in deeper and deeper ways the grace of Jesus and learn to live out their core identity. I see a whole generation of young people in our city being raised without a father. And I see the need for raising up a host of gospel pace-setting leaders to reach this next generation. I see the need, now more than ever, to cultivate life-giving spiritual friendships. I see the need for collaborators across the sectors of life to partner together on our common cause of city renewal. And to all that are willing to share in the work of the gospel I say, in the words of Churchill, all I have to promise is "blood, toil, tears and sweat."
But as I look at all the work that is before us, and the blood, toil, tears and sweat that will be ours, I do so with a sense of great buoyancy and confidence. Christ our King is a great Savior! He, our leader, goes before us preparing the way! His name is worthy of our greatest and noblest exertions! He is the Great Comforter and will care for us in all of our sorrows.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
First glimps of my garden and I pet my rabbit...
I woke up this morning around 9 am. I don't know about that time change thing but several of us went to bed around 2am! Anyway, I woke up and wandered downstairs happy to be home.
I'm happy to see the house is now down to 72 degrees F instead of the 85 degrees we came home to. I fiddled with a couple of air vents and used an industrial size fan to blow the cool air from downstairs to the upstairs. I wrapped some of the attic vents so as to shut them off and force the air into the 2nd floor - boy do you have to love these old houses! I couldn't help but chuckle as my kids were trying to play in their rooms with sweat trickling down their faces. Sorry to say but that is a first time experience for us this summer.
We counted up all the hot days we had during our 10 weeks and came up with 1 in California, 3 in Oregon and 1 in England. Other than that is was sweat shirts and fleeces or coats the whole time.
I was so happy to get a first glimpse of "my" garden this morning and can't wait to pick some fresh veggies! I want to say that it looks like a wild jungle but that doesn't quite catch the orderly rows I see. I think the wildness would describe how large and lush everything looks! (A special thanks to all of you who have been gardening) : )
And so, that's when Judah's rabbit, Oreo, got my attention. He was definitely demanding that I pet him. He likes to have the place between his eye's scratched. He's a funny rabbit and must be part cat and dog as well. For now, he sure fills part of the place Zoe has left.
I'm happy to see the house is now down to 72 degrees F instead of the 85 degrees we came home to. I fiddled with a couple of air vents and used an industrial size fan to blow the cool air from downstairs to the upstairs. I wrapped some of the attic vents so as to shut them off and force the air into the 2nd floor - boy do you have to love these old houses! I couldn't help but chuckle as my kids were trying to play in their rooms with sweat trickling down their faces. Sorry to say but that is a first time experience for us this summer.
We counted up all the hot days we had during our 10 weeks and came up with 1 in California, 3 in Oregon and 1 in England. Other than that is was sweat shirts and fleeces or coats the whole time.
I was so happy to get a first glimpse of "my" garden this morning and can't wait to pick some fresh veggies! I want to say that it looks like a wild jungle but that doesn't quite catch the orderly rows I see. I think the wildness would describe how large and lush everything looks! (A special thanks to all of you who have been gardening) : )
And so, that's when Judah's rabbit, Oreo, got my attention. He was definitely demanding that I pet him. He likes to have the place between his eye's scratched. He's a funny rabbit and must be part cat and dog as well. For now, he sure fills part of the place Zoe has left.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Inching down I-5...toward home
This is the last leg of our sabbatical trip. Driving down I-5 today Jason and I looked at each other and I told him to just keep pressing us on inch by inch.
I wasn't sure we would make it to our hotel. Jason had a head ache, three of our kids had had various melt downs and we were all tired and worn out from staying up late. I was even strugling to keep it together. Saying good bye takes a lot of work.
This has been such a big trip with so many surprises and adventures - but we are ready to come home.
I wasn't sure we would make it to our hotel. Jason had a head ache, three of our kids had had various melt downs and we were all tired and worn out from staying up late. I was even strugling to keep it together. Saying good bye takes a lot of work.
This has been such a big trip with so many surprises and adventures - but we are ready to come home.
If you know me...
If you know me, you know how much music means to me. It's what cracks my soul wide open. It's what makes my heart soft. It helps me forgive and climb out of the pit of despair. It reminds me of who I am and where I am going.
(If you click the words "listen" on my blog posts you'll be able to hear the song!)
(If you click the words "listen" on my blog posts you'll be able to hear the song!)
I am Dead and Fully Buried....fresh from the grave...
listen
I am One of Those
I am one of those, at the table not invited,
And to all here at the feast it’s very plain,
I cannot hide in etiquette or conversation,
But Christ himself sent word to me and so I came.
I am one of those who was dead and fully buried,
And I still bear every stigma of decay,
There is no way I can cover what I’ve been through,
‘cause when Jesus called I came fresh from the grave.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
I am one of those, who was a leper and contagious,
The deformities and scars I have today,
Yet while I was vile with sickness Jesus loved me,
And He healed, restored and through and through remade.
I am one of those who was doomed to death in prison,
And I’ve done more evil things than I could say,
Jesus broke inside and there unlocked my shackles,
And to set me free, he died and took my place.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
I am one of those, who is hard to love and ugly,
Self-Righteous critical religion was my stain.
So I ran Christ to wash and be discovered,
Jesus came to me and covered up my shame.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
(c) 2009 Nathan Partain
I am One of Those
I am one of those, at the table not invited,
And to all here at the feast it’s very plain,
I cannot hide in etiquette or conversation,
But Christ himself sent word to me and so I came.
I am one of those who was dead and fully buried,
And I still bear every stigma of decay,
There is no way I can cover what I’ve been through,
‘cause when Jesus called I came fresh from the grave.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
I am one of those, who was a leper and contagious,
The deformities and scars I have today,
Yet while I was vile with sickness Jesus loved me,
And He healed, restored and through and through remade.
I am one of those who was doomed to death in prison,
And I’ve done more evil things than I could say,
Jesus broke inside and there unlocked my shackles,
And to set me free, he died and took my place.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
I am one of those, who is hard to love and ugly,
Self-Righteous critical religion was my stain.
So I ran Christ to wash and be discovered,
Jesus came to me and covered up my shame.
Though the world may number me among the foolish,
I think Jesus Christ is all I need to know
Jesus suffered and paid blood to buy the lowest of the low
Hallelujah! Amen! That’s me! Yes, I am one of those!
(c) 2009 Nathan Partain
Sweet Love and little surprises around the bend...
This morning we drove off the Island and headed down I-5 toward Seattle. We were saying our final goodbyes to family for another year. 365 days.
Jason's brother Jed gave us a cd mix he had made and told us to listen to it. We liked the first couple of songs but didn't recognize the artists. Then a couple songs by Rich Mullins came on. (You know, he's an Indiana Boy!) Track 6 begins and I think to myself, "I know that song. It sounds like one of the artists in our church but it can't be. Must be another band that has a smilar sound and similar song!" And before the intro was over I knew it was my favorite song that Wolfy had written at our church!
So I'm driving down I-5 saying goodbye to family and listening to Wolfy. It is one of those little surprises in life that makes me always want to see what is around the bend.
listen
Jason's brother Jed gave us a cd mix he had made and told us to listen to it. We liked the first couple of songs but didn't recognize the artists. Then a couple songs by Rich Mullins came on. (You know, he's an Indiana Boy!) Track 6 begins and I think to myself, "I know that song. It sounds like one of the artists in our church but it can't be. Must be another band that has a smilar sound and similar song!" And before the intro was over I knew it was my favorite song that Wolfy had written at our church!
So I'm driving down I-5 saying goodbye to family and listening to Wolfy. It is one of those little surprises in life that makes me always want to see what is around the bend.
listen
Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
This morning, on our way off Camano Island (for the last time this summer) and to Seattle (to worship at Green Lake Presbyterian Church) we stopped at my grandmother's house to say one last goodbye to her. She is 103 years old.
She hugged me and said "Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy"...That is all she said, "Joy" again and again.
And in those words, perhaps the last words of my grandmother that I will ever hear, I tasted the fruit of God's healing grace in the soul.
She hugged me and said "Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy"...That is all she said, "Joy" again and again.
And in those words, perhaps the last words of my grandmother that I will ever hear, I tasted the fruit of God's healing grace in the soul.
Turning towards home...and thoughts about Zoe
As we anticipate coming home the reality of missing Zoe becomes more and more real. I miss her, we miss her. I miss not hearing her little nails clickity clack on our wood floors. It's hard not to look for her in her favorite sleeping spots.
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