Inspirational Page

February 2007

February 4, 2007 - Space
Give yourself some         space.         Create patterns in your life that ensure time for rest, creativity, community, enjoyment and contemplation. Give yourself a five minute gift right now. Instead of reading websites, take a break for five minutes. Close your eyes; breathe deeply; relax your shoulders and neck; think of the most serene place you've ever been. Once you've done that you can continue on here with your web-browsing.

December 2006

December 1, 2006 - We Wish You a Merry Holiday
I continue to hear reports of corporations, ad agencies, news organizations and individuals substituting "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas". I know some Christians are offended by this. Some desire us to boycott companies that make this substitution. Honestly, the substitution is refreshing to me. Before you castigate me, read further.

For years many of us have complained about the "commercialism of Christmas". We bristle and the commodification of a beautiful holiday (holy day). Now the commercialism begins the day after Halloween, not the day after Thanksgiving or December 1st. So, I say let the corporations, ad agencies and news organizations make their substitution. I do not want Christmas associated with such commercialism and commodification.

I would ask you, as an individual to give greetings as you so desire. If you wish those around you a "Merry Christmas" when the world around them is screaming "Happy Holidays" you will be conspicuous. "Merry Christmas" may once again become special.

Also, I am glad that the words of the Christmas hymns are no longer associated with commercialism and commodification. It has been so long since I have heard the words to a Christmas hymn in a department store that now when we sing them in church I can appreciate them. They no longer conjure up thoughts of holiday shopping, early morning sales, over-spending and long lines at the checkout.

So, YAY for the companies helping Christianity to once again become distinct from the commercialism, commodification and gluttony of a sacred day (actually TWELVE days).

August 2006

August 28, 2006 - I'm fed up
I know I'm not the only one. People have been blogging and writing for years about how we are so fed up: with culture, with each other, with education, with the conservatives, with the liberals, with the media, with the church, with all of it. I'm tired of people wanting to be postmodern. People who want to create postmodern ministries. People who want to constantly write and read about things postmodern. What ever happened to living? What ever happened to love, joy and peace? Whatever happened to the teachings of Mohammed? Sidartha Gautama? Abraham? Solomon? Jesus?

Vanity, Vanity, all is Vanity. --The Son of Man

Freedom is very important to our community. If you would like to experience some of it, feel free contact us or to come to any of our events.

June 2006

June 13, 2006 - Droning
The droning of summer. The days are long, sometimes hot, sometimes stormy. Being busy changes from studies and academics to other activities - some fun, some more frustrating than school. Life transitions: graduations, marriages, funerals, first jobs, new relationships, and the end of relationships. There really is nothing new under the hot summer sun. We hope you are engaged in healthy relationships. We hope you are finding freedom. We hope you are finding peace.

Freedom is very important to our community. If you would like to experience some of it, feel free contact us or to come to any of our events.

January 2006

January 24, 2006 - "Love"
     We all desire it.
     We all need it.
     At times we pervert it.

     He brought it.
     He offers it.
     At times we accept it.

     Our hearts break from it.
     Our lives are changed by it.
     Why do we refuse to live in it?

     Love is.
     Love becomes.
     Find freedom in it.

August 2005

August 7, 2005 - Community.
In the wake of Katrina, I am forced to reflect on what Community is. How it is created. How it is fostered. How it is destroyed. The devistation is well documented. The unmet needs of the people in Gulf region are well documented. The broken hearts around the rest of the country are even well documented. Still, what compells us to identify with one another? If not for Katrina, the people of the Gulf region and the rest of the country would have given one another little thought. However, Katrina did happen. And, the Gulf region and the rest of the country are brought face to face, shoulder to shoulder by events that we can not control. Our ability to feel for others and to act appropriately is what weaves the robust fabric we call community.

September 2004

September 8, 2004 -
The realness of God seems to evade our culture. God seems to be this mysterious thing out there that culture can't quite pinpoint. The God I know is as real as the world He created. The relationships we are longing for can be filled with the presence of God. He is the One who can help us to have focus and find meaning. He is the One who will care when no one else seems to care. He is the One who created you and wants to see your fullest achieved. He is the One waiting for you to cry out to him. He is and will always be there for you. All you need is to acknowledge him and let him know you want him with you. Life is about relationship. The perfect relater is God the Creator of all.

August 2004

August 13, 2004 -
A new year is upon us. Our hopes and dreams rise in front of us like a beacon. The excitement of new opportunities is nearly intoxicating. During such times it seems less important to offer an "Inspirational Thought". Let me offer this, though. Seek for your heart's desire. Long to know yourself more fully. Strive for understanding. Live freely. We, too, look forward to the start of the new year! We would love to hear from our returning friends and to meet new ones. Feel free to give us a call, or drop us an e-mail. Visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.

April 2004

April 30, 2004 -
Where do we go when no one understands us? To whom do we turn when no one is around? There are a myriad of responses to these questions - some healthy, some not. Along the journey of life there are those who can help us find answers to difficult questions. Real answers - not the quick off-the-cuff remarks that only seem to placate us for a short time. If you would like some help in considering these type questions, give us a call, or drop us an e-mail. Visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.

February 2004

February 24, 2004 - Closeness to God.
To some this sounds stupid; to some peaceful; to some terrifying; to some curious. The one thing I have observed is that how this sounds to us is based on our position related to God, not necessarily God's position in relation to us. What I have also observed is that our position may change. Over the next couple of weeks, why don't you take some time to consider your response to "How do I experience 'Closeness to God'?" It isn't an easy thing to consider. And, it may not be as "spiritual" or "churchy" of an answer as you expect. God isn't bound by "churchy" language or events; nor is God bound by "spiritual events." If you would like some help in considering this question, give us a call, or drop us an e-mail. Visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.

February 6, 2004 -
There is a God who loves you. I do not know of anything more inspiring than that. Humans have created many, many ways in which to find God or gods. We have even created paths to emptiness/nothingness and other paths to oneness with the spirit. It is true that not everyone is seeking. (During the years of my agnosticism I was not seeking.) But, most of us would admit that we are seeking "the Other" - something outside of ourselves - some larger being or purpose. What if instead of seeking, you were being sought? Probably the greatest mystery is this: This God who loves you has sought you out. He came so that you could know him. His Spirit is here so you can know him better. The great mysteries of this reality continue to amaze me. If you are interested in finding our more about this mystery, contact us. Visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.

January 2004

January 23, 2004 - Commitment.
How many times have I promised to do something and not followed through? Why do I over commit? Tough questions. There are so many things worth my time. How do I decide in which worthy endeavors to participate? And this, especially in light of schedules full of things in which you must participate - like them or not: school, work, friends, and family. It sounds paradoxical: you get more done by doing less. Say yes to things that you enjoy - things that give you energy. "Do" less by taking time to focus on things that enrich your spirit. Spend more time committed to enriching your spirit. It will help you when it comes time to decide on a particular commitment. If you would like help managing your levels of commitment, we are always willing to talk with you. Visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.

January 5, 2004 - New Beginnings?
I hear a lot of talk this time of year related to "new beginnings" and "resolutions". Life's situations may have changed recently, providing that air of new beginning. Thereby, there may be cause for new resolutions - a new direction. What is causing that desire? Why do you want to go in a new direction? Difficult questions to be sure. I would encourage you to try to answer those questions in the coming days. What is it that is drawing you towards change? Not everyone feels this drawing. Some feel the continuation of the mundane. That feeling of "here we are again." If you find yourself there do not worry. Ask questions like: does anything need to change? Am I at peace with my life and who I am? Whether you are experiencing new beginnings or mundane continuum be at peace.

December 2003

December 16, 2003 - Advent.
"The Arrival" is what that means. It is the time of year when Christians all over the world stop to recognize the arrival of God in human form -- Jesus Christ. It is also customary during the Advent season for Christians to recognize that he will, in the future, arrive again. The Advent season culminates with the celebration of Christmas Day. There are hundreds of carols written to help us celebrate this season. Perhaps one of my favorite statements in any carol is this: "His Law is Love and his Message is Peace." Meditate on this, what would laws of Love and messages of Peace look like in your world? How could you make that a reality? We hope that you will take some time to listen to your heart. Listen to see if you can hear the God of Advent speaking softly to you. Many blessings to you during this glorious season.

December 5, 2003 - Crazy busy.
That is about the best way to describe this time of year. Students seem to disappear into the chaos of reading, writing, classes, exams, coffee, etc. Top that off with relationships (or lack thereof), family, jobs, and enrolling for next semester. Like I said, "crazy busy". When our lives become so full of "stuff" it is difficult to remember who we really are. It may be even hard to remember those things that we really like to do. Make sure you take time to do something that you love. Make sure you get in touch with the "real you". Don't let the numbness overwhelm you for too long. It can become a very unhealthy pattern of life. If you are already numb, or you would like help recovering from the numbness, feel free to contact us. There is a better way to live. There is a way to live with the chaos and not let it paralyze you. There is a way to let the chaos stay outside.

November 2003

November 21, 2003 - Thanksgiving.
During this holiday season stop to consider that for which you are thankful. Look beyond the simple answers of food, family, or shelter. Look deeper. Look to the core essence of your existence. Seek to find something beyond "things." Find those things for which there are no words -- feelings, experiences. Trancend the obvious and begin a search for that which will never end. Tell those around you what you find. Tell them what you have found -- that for which you are really thankful. Help them understand its meaning in your life. And, by all means, give thanks for that which you find.

October 2003

October 21, 2003 -
Life is unpredictable, even painful sometimes. During the tough times the anger, frustration, even depression, can feel overwhelming. Peace seems farther away than ever. It is during these times that we can be transformed. It is only during these times that we can begin to grasp what Peace really is. Peace is not the absence of pain, anger, frustration, or depression. Rather, Peace is a state of being that can help us through the pain, anger, frustration, or depression. The next time you have these unsettling feelings, begin to look for Peace in your life. If you can't find it, by all means ask for some help. There is One who brings Peace even in the darkest times. Peace that passes your ability to understand it. Peace that speaks to you when no one else can. And, this Peace is a treasure to all who find it.