The Psalmist of 116 loves God because he knows God; he grasps God’s love and presence. I love God as much as I allow God’s gravity to pull me closer. This love grows more only as it knows more. I resist, run, return, resist..., relax. Ah yes, there’s the spot. Linger.
Have you let God love on you lately?
Bin Laden is dead
Baby birds flew the porch nest
Life and death soup
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
100 Days Coming
Daily snapshots of an adventure unfolding, joined by a question I cannot answer. I know what’s planned, expected and calendared: focused workdays, set priorities, and six travel adventures. I do not know what will actually happen, or what moments will matter most. It will reveal in Washington DC, St. Meinrad Indiana, Healdsburg California, Atlanta Georgia, Cabo San Lucas Mexico, and Durban South Africa. To be continued, to be lived.
May 1, 2011 - Day 1
I looked in the dishwasher for the coffee pot lid.
I thought it was black; it was not there.
I remembered that it was white; there it was.
Today I pick a fight with fear; I have an armed escort. 100 days to Africa and back again. Peace is with me. This trip I will pack lite, because I pack Peace who packs light. Packing light trumps packing heat.
What are you packing?
Chaos reigns hard
Doors slam locked by fear
Peace be with you
John 20:19-31
May 1, 2011 - Day 1
I looked in the dishwasher for the coffee pot lid.
I thought it was black; it was not there.
I remembered that it was white; there it was.
Today I pick a fight with fear; I have an armed escort. 100 days to Africa and back again. Peace is with me. This trip I will pack lite, because I pack Peace who packs light. Packing light trumps packing heat.
What are you packing?
Chaos reigns hard
Doors slam locked by fear
Peace be with you
John 20:19-31
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October 25, 2010
My friend’s son’s friend Don
I read Blue Like Jazz when published; high impact. I read Million Miles in 1000 years in April; made copious notes about connection with Godstory. A work friend attended Miller’s Storyline conference in September. She came back, handed me the materials, and said you must meet Don. Thursday morning Oct 14, I reread Million Miles, reviewed my notes, went to Miller’s blog and printed out 100+ pages for review and contact.
My friend Mike came by for lunch; I had not seen him for years. All the Miller stuff was lying out on my desk. At Panera, I told Mike about how Godstory was clearly a movement of God. Mike blurted, “do you know about Don Miller?” I said “You’re kidding - did you see what was on my desk?” Mike said he did not. I asked why he mentioned Miller. Mike said, “My son Jeremy is best friends with Don!”
Today at another Panera, Jeremy and I met to talk about the bit parts we play in an amazing movement of God built upon STORY. Blue Like Jazz the movie starts production here in Nashville today. The young men who started the “save the movie” project attend church where I have been invited to launch Godstory. My friend Kortland is a pastor there. It just goes on and on. Once you start picking up Reece’s Pieces and eating them, it is hard to stop…
My friend’s son’s friend Don
I read Blue Like Jazz when published; high impact. I read Million Miles in 1000 years in April; made copious notes about connection with Godstory. A work friend attended Miller’s Storyline conference in September. She came back, handed me the materials, and said you must meet Don. Thursday morning Oct 14, I reread Million Miles, reviewed my notes, went to Miller’s blog and printed out 100+ pages for review and contact.
My friend Mike came by for lunch; I had not seen him for years. All the Miller stuff was lying out on my desk. At Panera, I told Mike about how Godstory was clearly a movement of God. Mike blurted, “do you know about Don Miller?” I said “You’re kidding - did you see what was on my desk?” Mike said he did not. I asked why he mentioned Miller. Mike said, “My son Jeremy is best friends with Don!”
Today at another Panera, Jeremy and I met to talk about the bit parts we play in an amazing movement of God built upon STORY. Blue Like Jazz the movie starts production here in Nashville today. The young men who started the “save the movie” project attend church where I have been invited to launch Godstory. My friend Kortland is a pastor there. It just goes on and on. Once you start picking up Reece’s Pieces and eating them, it is hard to stop…
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010
How's your faith working for 'ya?
The business of “faith sharing” has become quite problematic in our culture. Words like testimony, witness and evangelism are tainted for many who need God’s love, grace and truth. They have become Jesus spam. Here are a few considerations for those who desire a meaningful spiritual dialogue with others. (1) How is your faith working for you today, right here, right now? (2) What present evidence do you have of God’s work in your life issues today? (3) Are the first things you have to say about God to another person from your past or scripture?
Hear this good news today!
The past is the best I have
God is tired and old
How's your faith working for 'ya?
The business of “faith sharing” has become quite problematic in our culture. Words like testimony, witness and evangelism are tainted for many who need God’s love, grace and truth. They have become Jesus spam. Here are a few considerations for those who desire a meaningful spiritual dialogue with others. (1) How is your faith working for you today, right here, right now? (2) What present evidence do you have of God’s work in your life issues today? (3) Are the first things you have to say about God to another person from your past or scripture?
Hear this good news today!
The past is the best I have
God is tired and old
October 16, 2010
E Team
Three men to walk beside you - believe it! Why else would we be here? Rocky, Rodes and Eagle are sent here for you, and you can trust us. Not one, or two - but all three. If we all give you the same truth, we ask you to bite hard and swallow. Test all of it with the Father and his Word.
It is light and dark
The war rages; Chaos targeted
Let us fight for you
E Team
Three men to walk beside you - believe it! Why else would we be here? Rocky, Rodes and Eagle are sent here for you, and you can trust us. Not one, or two - but all three. If we all give you the same truth, we ask you to bite hard and swallow. Test all of it with the Father and his Word.
It is light and dark
The war rages; Chaos targeted
Let us fight for you
October 15, 2010
Grief on a Picnic Table
Today I took a walk in the park with God, and sat down at a picnic table. Some fresh writing on the table begged to be read. A heart with an arrow said “I love Peggy”. Then “Monte loves Peggy for ever more.”
The next note explained more; “May 16, 1969 Monte made Peggy, my blue-eyed angel, my beloved wife. 41 years and counting…” Finally, the story concluded with this; “One day we are going to walk hand-in-hand through the gates of Heaven. We will get to see our babies, and they will say ‘I love you Daddy and Mama’ for ever more.”
Monte, I am sorry for your loss and grief. And you are right about the future. I wept for Monte, and then I thanked God for eternal hope.
Grief on a Picnic Table
Today I took a walk in the park with God, and sat down at a picnic table. Some fresh writing on the table begged to be read. A heart with an arrow said “I love Peggy”. Then “Monte loves Peggy for ever more.”
The next note explained more; “May 16, 1969 Monte made Peggy, my blue-eyed angel, my beloved wife. 41 years and counting…” Finally, the story concluded with this; “One day we are going to walk hand-in-hand through the gates of Heaven. We will get to see our babies, and they will say ‘I love you Daddy and Mama’ for ever more.”
Monte, I am sorry for your loss and grief. And you are right about the future. I wept for Monte, and then I thanked God for eternal hope.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 13, 2010
Silent Movie
The greatest show on earth; scripted in Heaven - now playing at a theatre THAT IS YOU. Now THAT is the truth, but can I handle that truth; can you? Next consider if we are a silent movie, or IMAX / 3D / surround sound with smell-a-vision?
Nature declares God
So does my life if I will see
Spiritual glasses please!
Silent Movie
The greatest show on earth; scripted in Heaven - now playing at a theatre THAT IS YOU. Now THAT is the truth, but can I handle that truth; can you? Next consider if we are a silent movie, or IMAX / 3D / surround sound with smell-a-vision?
Nature declares God
So does my life if I will see
Spiritual glasses please!
July 12, 2010
Kortland Journey
April 2007 I met Kortland and Nate for lunch; GodBook. In 2008 I attended a new kind of men’s experience; GodMen. 2009 I met Greg as a result of GodMen, to find we really met 10 years prior on the gulf coast. Today Kortland and I had lunch. I checked his website and found THESE words that convince us both that we are simu-scripted from Heaven:
Their lyrics spring from their stories
Their stories spill out of real life
Their lives are intertwined with God’s story
We promise they are the real deal
Kortland Journey
April 2007 I met Kortland and Nate for lunch; GodBook. In 2008 I attended a new kind of men’s experience; GodMen. 2009 I met Greg as a result of GodMen, to find we really met 10 years prior on the gulf coast. Today Kortland and I had lunch. I checked his website and found THESE words that convince us both that we are simu-scripted from Heaven:
Their lyrics spring from their stories
Their stories spill out of real life
Their lives are intertwined with God’s story
We promise they are the real deal
July 11, 2010
Back into Africa
A shot in the arm for Hep A; pills for Malaria and Typhoid; pills at the ready in case of travel trots. Here I go now for a five week life marathon of good measure and abundance: a) she and I take grandchildren on a four day venture; b) one week devoted to our daughter’s wedding; c) back home three days to repack; d) fly SFO to go on yacht crew reunion in the high sierras; e) go on horseback primitive (ouch) high sierra adventure four days with 2 sons; f) fly SFO to Nairobi Kenya for eight day mission; g) back just in time to lead a Nebraska men’s retreat, and see my great grandfather’s family homestead for the first time.
All in five weeks GO!
Life cram-packed to the edge
Worth it if I die
Back into Africa
A shot in the arm for Hep A; pills for Malaria and Typhoid; pills at the ready in case of travel trots. Here I go now for a five week life marathon of good measure and abundance: a) she and I take grandchildren on a four day venture; b) one week devoted to our daughter’s wedding; c) back home three days to repack; d) fly SFO to go on yacht crew reunion in the high sierras; e) go on horseback primitive (ouch) high sierra adventure four days with 2 sons; f) fly SFO to Nairobi Kenya for eight day mission; g) back just in time to lead a Nebraska men’s retreat, and see my great grandfather’s family homestead for the first time.
All in five weeks GO!
Life cram-packed to the edge
Worth it if I die
Friday, July 9, 2010
July 9, 2010
Connor’s Limbo
Prayers are answered yes, no, not yet, but when does “not yet” become “no” (on earth)? It has been two years now since the boy’s spinal severance. Can I pray for someone to be able to feel pain? Can I pray that other loved ones could not feel pain? Can I pray for what to pray?
Immobilized life
Lives centered in care giving
Merciful visions
Connor’s Limbo
Prayers are answered yes, no, not yet, but when does “not yet” become “no” (on earth)? It has been two years now since the boy’s spinal severance. Can I pray for someone to be able to feel pain? Can I pray that other loved ones could not feel pain? Can I pray for what to pray?
Immobilized life
Lives centered in care giving
Merciful visions
July 8, 2010
Fresh Start
Reset the trip meter to 0000. The odometer miles are nearing the sixties, but the “newly single” trip has begun. What is past is just that – passed. Look ahead to new places, persons and purpose with God beside you.
Carpe Manana!
Dots collected and connected
Now projected with God
Fresh Start
Reset the trip meter to 0000. The odometer miles are nearing the sixties, but the “newly single” trip has begun. What is past is just that – passed. Look ahead to new places, persons and purpose with God beside you.
Carpe Manana!
Dots collected and connected
Now projected with God
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
July 7, 2010
Fresno Yacht Club
Old men like to relieve, and to re-live their best. Some of ours were wind powered gusts and tight pylon scrambles. Captain Dan barked orders while lazy beer pirates shuffled about. The Skipper didn’t think much of my fat cigar near his new spinnaker sail. You just can’t explain clean air until you catch some.
Dead even then whoosh…
The sweet Power of clean strong air
Yacht to feel it!
Fresno Yacht Club
Old men like to relieve, and to re-live their best. Some of ours were wind powered gusts and tight pylon scrambles. Captain Dan barked orders while lazy beer pirates shuffled about. The Skipper didn’t think much of my fat cigar near his new spinnaker sail. You just can’t explain clean air until you catch some.
Dead even then whoosh…
The sweet Power of clean strong air
Yacht to feel it!
July 6, 2010
GodSong
Writers, poets, photographers and song catchers are those who snatch pieces of life out of time, and freeze-dry it for later consumption. So let’s imagine a fusic experience where song catchers present their wares intimately live - and the back story of where it came from becomes the front story and the rest of the story…
The DNA of love
Deconstructed joy and life
Fusic for the soul
GodSong
Writers, poets, photographers and song catchers are those who snatch pieces of life out of time, and freeze-dry it for later consumption. So let’s imagine a fusic experience where song catchers present their wares intimately live - and the back story of where it came from becomes the front story and the rest of the story…
The DNA of love
Deconstructed joy and life
Fusic for the soul
July 5, 2010
Interdependence Day
Better than independence! Freedom is unleashed in interdependence. Cheap freedom is just me doing my own thing. Real freedom has the risk and reward of relationships. We were made for relationships - with God and others.
So yeah to others
For me AND my great country
We need all y’all!
Interdependence Day
Better than independence! Freedom is unleashed in interdependence. Cheap freedom is just me doing my own thing. Real freedom has the risk and reward of relationships. We were made for relationships - with God and others.
So yeah to others
For me AND my great country
We need all y’all!
July 4, 2010
Smoke and Meat
Eagle and She + Thunder and Lightning; good times on the porch! Tank dog likes his Daddy to vacuum his fur. Thunder remembers songs past that speak of today – the locusts are back. Let’s write a song soon; yours and mine with God.
Our families are broken
But God knows so too are we
Mercy not justice
Smoke and Meat
Eagle and She + Thunder and Lightning; good times on the porch! Tank dog likes his Daddy to vacuum his fur. Thunder remembers songs past that speak of today – the locusts are back. Let’s write a song soon; yours and mine with God.
Our families are broken
But God knows so too are we
Mercy not justice
July 3, 2010
Careless
The easiest path is NO – I don’t care! Careless is a self con that gives permission for self to rule. Careless walks away from good, hard and worth it - in the name of “my way”. Caring is hard; it sticks and stays with. Caring is willing to get hurt, over and over – and again.
Carry a heavy load?
Give it to God who hauls it all
So you can care well
Careless
The easiest path is NO – I don’t care! Careless is a self con that gives permission for self to rule. Careless walks away from good, hard and worth it - in the name of “my way”. Caring is hard; it sticks and stays with. Caring is willing to get hurt, over and over – and again.
Carry a heavy load?
Give it to God who hauls it all
So you can care well
Friday, July 2, 2010
July 2, 2010
Pass-down Godstory
Donna sent a story from Judy. Judy was skeptical of those who use scripture to confirm their agendas, until God dropped one in on her “get thee out of thy comfort zone”. In a pity party, Judy felt “laid aside”. Then an ugly, barren plant tended by her husband went into FULL BLOOM!
Not my time but His
I am designed for full bloom too
Patient the Gardener
Pass-down Godstory
Donna sent a story from Judy. Judy was skeptical of those who use scripture to confirm their agendas, until God dropped one in on her “get thee out of thy comfort zone”. In a pity party, Judy felt “laid aside”. Then an ugly, barren plant tended by her husband went into FULL BLOOM!
Not my time but His
I am designed for full bloom too
Patient the Gardener
July 1, 2010
Mourning Dance
“You turned my wailing into dancing”, David says about God. Who says that about me & you? What happens to the life that completely devotes their whole selves to God? They get to live under the constant loving gaze of God without dread or regret.
Unconditional yes
Risky business that may cost all
A fair deal for sure
Mourning Dance
“You turned my wailing into dancing”, David says about God. Who says that about me & you? What happens to the life that completely devotes their whole selves to God? They get to live under the constant loving gaze of God without dread or regret.
Unconditional yes
Risky business that may cost all
A fair deal for sure
June 30, 2010
Half Year
Micro-stories daily for 6 months – today is number 176. These little soul flashes mean little to others and a lot to me. I have lived 62 years, so 6 months is ½ of one percent of my life. God is real and potent everywhere in and beyond my life, and I see only a tiny glimpse of it. Incredible!
Tips of big icebergs
God looms huge under the sea
Be amazed in God
Half Year
Micro-stories daily for 6 months – today is number 176. These little soul flashes mean little to others and a lot to me. I have lived 62 years, so 6 months is ½ of one percent of my life. God is real and potent everywhere in and beyond my life, and I see only a tiny glimpse of it. Incredible!
Tips of big icebergs
God looms huge under the sea
Be amazed in God
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