I was reading some Google spots trying to figure out how to get this blog to the top and ended up thinking about parachutes. Before the parachute opens it's called "freefalling" and the feeling (I assume, because I have never done it) is exhileration at the highest level. Then of course you have to eventually open the parachute before landing.
But wouldn't it be cool not to have to open the parachute? And then you could just touch down light as a feather?
This is similar to the experience of leaving a church building behind (not the church because we are the church). It feels like jumping out of the plane and descending at a high rate of speed toward the ground. But eventually the parachute (Jesus) opens and lets us down to earth softly and we want to do it again...and again...and again. Like a child who is twirled around in his father's arms...do it again, Daddy.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Who Is God Really?
I listened to a podcast recently that expressed this thought-who is God really? Is he the big loving God who wants to show His children that He accepts them as they are or is He the Big Mean God who is ready to whack us whenever we make a mistake or misstep or really screw things up?
I vote for the loving God...why? because I tried that mean one for about 40 yrs. or so and it didn't get me anywhere except frustrated, confused, and alienated from everyone in my family. As I have gotten to know the loving, creative, and forgiving God, I finally have friends who want to talk to me, not to mention the fact that I now get along a lot better with my children and husband.
Because I always thought God ruled with an iron fist, that's the way I "ruled". No one could cross the line with me because they knew they would get hammered with some bible verse that I could use for whatever offense they committed. I studied the Hebrew and Greek words and I knew what they meant.
But not only were those words sending people flying from my presence but it was shoving me further and further from Jesus Himself.
Boy am I glad He is patient...and kind...and loving...and doesn't become upset...and doesn't think too highly of Himself...
I Cor. 13...isn't this a picture of Christ Himself?? Isn't this who He is?? So why am I trying to make Him into some tyrant who demands justice and holiness? Isn't holiness a part of being whole?
Just some questions running thru my head...
I vote for the loving God...why? because I tried that mean one for about 40 yrs. or so and it didn't get me anywhere except frustrated, confused, and alienated from everyone in my family. As I have gotten to know the loving, creative, and forgiving God, I finally have friends who want to talk to me, not to mention the fact that I now get along a lot better with my children and husband.
Because I always thought God ruled with an iron fist, that's the way I "ruled". No one could cross the line with me because they knew they would get hammered with some bible verse that I could use for whatever offense they committed. I studied the Hebrew and Greek words and I knew what they meant.
But not only were those words sending people flying from my presence but it was shoving me further and further from Jesus Himself.
Boy am I glad He is patient...and kind...and loving...and doesn't become upset...and doesn't think too highly of Himself...
I Cor. 13...isn't this a picture of Christ Himself?? Isn't this who He is?? So why am I trying to make Him into some tyrant who demands justice and holiness? Isn't holiness a part of being whole?
Just some questions running thru my head...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Not Just Church
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." c.s. lewis "Is Theology Poetry"
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Quote
c. s. lewis
Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction.
Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction.
Epiphany
Ever had one of those days when you just knew something was wrong but couldn't put language to it?
This happened to me about 13 yrs ago after chuch one Sunday. We had changed churches AGAIN and still my spirit was all churned up and I wanted to never go back. I couldn't understand the whole Sunday service thing. Now mind you, I got saved in 1972 and was all gung-ho for Jesus. I finally had found what I was looking for in life. Peace. Meaning. A place for me to fully throw my energies. But after nearly 25 years I was missing all of these elements.
I struggled daily seeking the face of God to show me something that I had originally signed up for. I was frustrated, tired, angry, and mean because I couldn't grasp the last vestiges of Jesus that were quickly slipping through my spirit.
"I quit!" I shouted inwardly at God. "I am NOT going back to church!"
Then it was all quiet in my insides, as if a weight had just been lifted off me. And I heard in the quiet this voice - "Are you finished now?"
"Yes," I answered. "Totally done."
It was like a cosmic sigh of relief. My spirit jumped at the peace that I felt. And over the next few days I could sense the Spirit showing me that it was OK that I wouldn't go back. It was OK if I never darkened the door of another "church" because He was in this. He was in the frustration and head-banging I had been going through for so many years; in the constant stress of trying to find His "perfect will".
to be continued....check back soon....
This happened to me about 13 yrs ago after chuch one Sunday. We had changed churches AGAIN and still my spirit was all churned up and I wanted to never go back. I couldn't understand the whole Sunday service thing. Now mind you, I got saved in 1972 and was all gung-ho for Jesus. I finally had found what I was looking for in life. Peace. Meaning. A place for me to fully throw my energies. But after nearly 25 years I was missing all of these elements.
I struggled daily seeking the face of God to show me something that I had originally signed up for. I was frustrated, tired, angry, and mean because I couldn't grasp the last vestiges of Jesus that were quickly slipping through my spirit.
"I quit!" I shouted inwardly at God. "I am NOT going back to church!"
Then it was all quiet in my insides, as if a weight had just been lifted off me. And I heard in the quiet this voice - "Are you finished now?"
"Yes," I answered. "Totally done."
It was like a cosmic sigh of relief. My spirit jumped at the peace that I felt. And over the next few days I could sense the Spirit showing me that it was OK that I wouldn't go back. It was OK if I never darkened the door of another "church" because He was in this. He was in the frustration and head-banging I had been going through for so many years; in the constant stress of trying to find His "perfect will".
to be continued....check back soon....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)