Engaging

Continuing thoughts of community are on my mind this morning. Thoughts such as going beyond the assembly ~ making an impact and influencing our neighborhood.

I suspect the need for action in today's society is great. Over a generation, people have become increasingly, purposefully sequestered from others. Some, in an attempt to gain privacy; some, the result of depression or infirmity; some, through anti-social behaviors . . .the list could go on.

Yet in the heart of most, I believe a longing to be known and cared for resides. Fear of vulnerability; fear of personal harm; fear of leaving a created comfort zone: all of these hindrances to stepping out, and being neighborly.

The boldness of Christ can overcome all that.

As I consider my neighbors this morning, I ask the Father to grant me an opportunity to be of service to them. I ask for opportunities to share a smile, a warm-hearted story, a laugh or two. I ask for opportunities to be present in the time of need.

How long has it been since you've spoken with your neighbor?
What recent attempt have you made to brighten someone else's day?
In what manner have you been of service to someone outside of your household?

Has Jesus been seen in your neighborhood?

Community

Yesterday morning, the children and I attended the local fellowship that we, as a family while Gil was present, determined was to be our connect point while The Adventure plays out.

Driving up the scenic tree laden street, I couldn't help but smile, as a group of individuals arrived on time, simultaneously, on foot, in cars . . .The spring-like morning encompassed us all in a state of happy greeting as we entered the home of the host family.

Finding a comfortable spot among a group of new and just-met faces was easy, as the knowledge that we all shared Christ Jesus in common was at the forefront. The diversity of backgrounds gave flavor to the gathering. A kindly, pleasant professor from a local college; a couple of Chinese descent, business professionals with remarkable insight; a man of Hispanic descent and gentle manner, a former gang member turned Christ-ward; a beautiful young mom, single parenting her children, with a toward-Christ heart; two married couples: one gracious and gentile, native to California, one adventurous and excited about Christ-life, from the midwest. Then, there was us. One Mom, two teens, and a baby. Everyone was willing to share.

Share we did. The past week's events, prayer points and requests, conversation of current events that impacted us personally.

And then, the breaking of the Bread of Life:

It was at this Truth, this centerpoint that we all lay down our own indentifiable mannerisms and qualities in exchange for taking up the mind of Christ, and sharing His life, choosing His ways over our own self-directed thoughts and ideas. The Word now took center stage, and we participated in and with the Scriptures, allowing the two-edged sword to hone and refine us for the Master's use.

It was hearty dialouge.

It was pertinent to the day we live in.

It was as a refreshing drink on a warm day.

Time sped by, and all too soon, the day shifted, and we parted ways.

The drive home was reflective. The knowledge of a new community had been brought to life in my heart. No longer alone in the journey, my heart had begun the knitting of kinship with these folks.

My brothers, my sisters.

Family I'd previously been oblivous to, unaware of their existance, now front and center.

I cannot help but wonder ~ to what end, and to what purpose, Father, this gathering? this group? What plans do You have, joining us with these?

I welcome the unfolding and unveiling that will occur over the next few months, all the while praying that in being blessed, I will also be a blessing.

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Luke 24:35-36

The Dynamic Aviator

Pour yourself a cup of coffee this morning, o Choosers. We'll be continuing yesterday's field trip via photo journalism.

At it's finest, of course!

After the Andrew Eastmond adventure, and a good meal, John, the dynamic aviator invited us over to his pad . . .er, I mean, hangar, to meet his love. Er, I mean, see the plane he flies.

We said yes! I thought you might like to join us, since I *did* tell you I'd share more about John . . .

Oh! Here he is now, about to open the cargo door:

Ah! There he is again! This time, opening the cockpit.

He's going to let us all climb aboard! Israel will go first:

Ummm . . .Israel . . .I *think* yer supposed to get out the OTHER way . . .!

Mia will go next:

Heck, even Dawn was feeling adventurous! Hi, Dawn!! :)

Of course, there are plenty of other parts on a plane . . .and no educational field trip is complete without gazing at them all. Richard and Aubrey pose pretty, like they understand all the gizmos:

Chris discusses the pros and cons of having propellers on a plane . . .he decides they are pretty useful. ")

Is anyone feeling as though we are watching an episode of "Home Improvement"? Tim the ToolMan Taylor comes to mind . . .

Uh . . .Israel . . .what daring thing are you attempting to do now???

Yep. We were impressed. Even if we didn't understand all the lingo and gadgets and gears and stuff.

We were impressed because John knows his stuff. He's a real likeable kinda guy. Humble, sincere, a Christ-one . . .well-traveled and adventurous. Oh. And he likes to fly. Did I mention that?

Yes, John truly is the dynamic aviator of the bunch. I think we'll keep him around for awhile. ")

Can You Say "Field Trip" Boys And Girls?

A shift from the ordinary is always refreshing. Especially when good music is involved! It all began with this man:

I do believe you've met Doug before. No introduction necessary. :)

Yet, it was his idea and action that catapulted our fellowship family into the back roads and bayous of Louisiana for a little adventure. Here several of us are . . .ready to hit the road:


We were headed west to see none other than Andrew Eastmond!

It was a trip marked by the beauty of the heart, as Andrew skillfully played his stringed instrument in praise and honor of the Most High God. His guitar of choice? A gift from Doug. Here it is, as Andrew's son (the blonde) and a friend admire it's rich, resonating sound.

Andrew opened the Scriptures to us, both in song and with his voice, challenging the Body to walk as Christ walked.

Who knew that a back-woods bayou would hold such a blessing?

She's IN!!

Oh my gosh!

I can hardly contain my excitement!

Tiffany is officially IN! She completed final approval for her DE-lux apartment accomodations, submitted her deposit and pro-rated rent, and voila'!

This morning early we completed the walk-through. My heart simply sings in adoration of a Faithful God who perfects all things that concern me.

It has been three weeks since our church fellowship agreed in prayer for the supply of a home for Tiffany and her wee one on the way. A place that fit her budget, and was a clean, well-taken care of place to live in. Oh. Add desire for washer and dryer.

Check!

Yes, Lord, You are faithful, and You care about the smallest detail. You care about Tiffany, and I can hear You singing and rejoicing over her even now . . .

Window Of Opportunity

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20: 7-12

What a unique day of fellowship we experienced yesterday.

Glimpses of the Father's heart expressed through a family of six, reunited, thanks to a body of believers who count not their belongings as thier own.

Sharing and praying; laughing and crying; munching and chatting the hours away until nightfall and beyond.

The revelation of the Word of God being discussed and poured over, and identified as good.

Rest, a deep abiding rest settled over everyone, amidst the movement and life that abounded.

How good it is, for bretheren to dwell together in unity.

Armchairs, Apartments, and Arabia

It has been a full few days ~ I'm catching my breath even now!

But a significant series of events has my attention.

1. Sunday's fellowship was at Doug's place. We had a great time! It was there, in his armchair that a day of intense community took place. Doug prepared a ROCKIN' roast, and our conversation covered hill and dale of topics galore.

2. It was here at Doug's place that I requested prayer for Tiffany. She's in need of an apartment. Doug clued me in to a potential property, and Tiff and I have been working on that lead.

3. And then Doug showed the documentary. It has captivated me. It has moved me. It has impressed me. I've read the accompanying book. I'm convinced.

Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia?

Hmmm . . .the Bible tells me so . . .

I suggest you see and read for yourself.

Enjoy! :)

Canine Psalm 133

"How sweet and pleasant it is for brethern to dwell together in unity . . ."

I'm not sure which moment could be labeled as the Best Part. All I know is that the Fisherman and His Family came back. They lingered. We laughed. We cried. We hugged. And for another season, another window, we have said our good-bye's.



The Fisherman and His Family shared in our weekly gathering, our fellowship yesterday, and it was so sweet. It truly is a beautiful thing when believers are gathered together to lift up the Lord, and to edify one another. I love my family.

And then, a miracle happened.

Yep. A bonafide miracle.

The Rascally Dell-Meister finally "got it": If he didn't want to spend his time crated and alone, he'd best get along with EVERYONE . . .Astro, Art, Lori . . .all of 'em. So make friends he did:


All on his own accord. And, I suspect, under the unction of the Holy Ghost!

Ah. Unity.

The Good Life.

For dogs and 'umans alike.

The Minstrel's Song

He arrived 'late', ushering in his person through the kitchen, so as not to disturb the communication already occuring.

He took a seat on the ottoman, it's welcome platform embracing his frame and uprighting the psaltry of six strings that lie hidden within it's cloth covered case.

He waited.

A break in conversation pursued him, as welcoming 'hello's' and 'how are ya's' jostled around the room, assuring him that his decision to join the gathering of faithful followers was a positive one.

It felt good to be needed.

The panorama of discussion braved the timid of heart, encapsuled those who sought acceptance in thier expression, and beckoned for the honor of the presence of the King ~ an enduring mark of the shared meal, comfortable communication, and familial bondings they all experienced.

Soon, and very soon, the minstrel's song would be heard . . .

and the King would find His place among them, enthroned on thier praise; comfortable in His surroundings; pleased with the offering of love that filled the air with an aroma unmistakeably known.