Divine Romance

These lyrics have really moved me this Christmas season...if you don't know the song, get it from itunes, it's fantabulous!

Divine Romance - Phil Wickham

The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

Can I get an "amen"?

The Promise of Autumn

I love the fall. It is by far my favorite season. I have always been overwhelmed by the brilliant colors. In fact, I often joke that if I happen to be driving at sunset in the fall, I could literally get into an accident from the breath-taking impact of the colors of both tree leaves and sky at the same time to my heart. And it's probably true.

I beleive the Lord romances me that way. I haven't always appreciated the beauty of creation as piercingly as I do now. I've always loved colors, but until I fell in love with Jesus, I never acknowledged the Master Artist behind the masterpiece of the night sky or the autumn leaves or the sunrise or sunset. He is so romantic.

When I moved to Charlotte, NC from Michigan, I had my first taste of a long, beautiful season of fall. The leaves didn't turn and then fall immediately, they lingered and I was captivated by His glorious majesty so often. I easily looked forward to the end of summer.

When I recently moved to Atlanta, GA, I was told that last year's fall here was not much and that the trees had turned quickly and gone bare without so much of a notice. At first, my heart sank...."No fall? This cannot be!"

And then I remembered my Savior. I responded with confidence, "I know my Lord and I know that it was His will that He brought me to this new place, and I know that He would not have moved me to a place where there was no fall......there will be colors!" Some thought that was bold of me to claim, others just didn't believe me at all. But I trusted and I waited and I looked and I SAW!

Recently, I had an opportunity to spend a weekend at Stone Mountain in Georgia, which is a beautful and huge state park. I wanted to get some quality reflection and listening time with the Lord. Guess what He showed me - COLORS! The mountain was filled with trees bearing the most brilliant leaves and the paths were covered in golds and reds and oranges and yellows. It was mid to upper 60's, so I walked and I prayed and I thanked God for the beauty of the earth and the glory that shone all around me. The sun gleamed brightly to enhance the view and the hues. It was an amazing weekend. And the colors are still here into December!

Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to show me your glory in the brightness of color, the peace of a river, and the magnificance of the sky!

"From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings...

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God!
All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God!"

Elf Yourself

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9540253375

Click on the link above to get a good chuckle! If this doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will........who needs Christmas cards, this says it all! Thanks Laura.....

The Rabbit Room

In October, one of my favorite artists, Andrew Peterson, created this new website and I highly recommend it. Here'e the link: www.rabbitroom.com

It's set up as a blog so that readers can comment. Most of the contributers are singer/songwriters, pastors, and writers. All of them have an appreciation and passion for reading great books, listening to good music, and admiring tasteful and thought-provoking art. The room itself feels like a place of community and "kindred spirits".

The original "rabbit room" was in the back of an Oxford Pub where the likes of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and other friends met to discuss the books they were writing.

Most of the reviews of each creative piece, be it book, album, or art, become quite lengthy and introspective as the artists share how these mediums touched their lives, challenged their spirits, and revealed to them truth and beauty in their walks with the Lord.

I strongly urge those of you who read a ton of literature and listen to a vast array of music to add this page to your favorites. Here is a snippet of the vision from the founder, Andrew Peterson:

I believe strongly in the value of the artists in this world. I believe that when someone who was made to strive to create beauty in the world is, as Brennan Manning said, “ambushed by Jesus,” the art that results bears a God-given power that draws men to Christ. I have encountered that power in the sub-creations of Christ-followers countless times. (I’ve also encountered it in the works of those who haven’t yet succumbed to the source of their gifting.) Those works of art have helped me to better understand the Bible and its author, they have given me the tools with which to worship, to serve, to revel in the greatness of the Maker.

Those works of art are the fruit of obedience to the artist’s calling. The burden God places on each of us is to become who we are meant to be. We are most fully ourselves when Christ most fully lives in us and through us; the mother shines brightest with her child in her arms, the father when he forgives his wandering son, and the artist when he or she is drawing attention to grace by showing the pinprick of light overcoming the darkness in the painting or the story or the song.

The world knows darkness. Christ came into the world to show us light. I have seen it, have been blinded by it, invaded by it, and I will tell its story. I cannot help but see that story everywhere I look. I see it when I am full of joy and weightless as a cloud, and I see it when grief and self-loathing root me to the cold earth; it is remembering the story, Christ whispering it in my ear, that kills the despair, sets me gently on the donkey, and takes me to an inn to recover from the wounds. How can I keep myself from singing?

The Rabbit Room is a place for stories. For artists who believe in the power of old tales, tales as old as the earth itself, who find hope in them and beauty in the shadows and in the light and in the source of the light
Andrew Peterson (The Proprietor)

Here is where I've discovered a new found joy in reading and explored books I would have never picked up. Here, I first heard an amazing review of Sara Groves new album "Tell Me What You Know", which I wholeheartedly recommend and have been listening to almost nonstop since I purchased it on itunes!

I'll leave the rest for you to discover, but I can think of so many of you that are "kindred spirits" to me that would truly benefit and be blessed, inspired, and challenged for visiting this room regularly......ENJOY!

Thanks Andrew Peterson.....

Tribute to a Brother

Parting Thoughts - Frank Grubbs

"My feet have found faith, beneath your table...
they have found rest in your backyard.
My hands have toiled beside you, but the work was easy...
cause He came down and the yoke was shared.


And I will miss you,
and I will pray,
that faith goes before you,
and peace follows near.

My eyes have seen the love that grows within you....
and it's caused my hindsight to go blind.
My ears have heard the truth that you wrap in a blessing...
and though convicting, I am set free.

And the things that we have bound up,
are as far as the east from west.
And the things that we have given,
are worth their weight in gold.
And the love that we have shared,
is priceless and holy....
it is a treasure we have stored up in heaven.

And though the shape of the house may change....
Christ, He will reign there just the same.
And though the miles will lengthen, the same ground holds us both,
and the same good rain falls on us all.

And I will miss you,
and I will pray,
that grace goes before you,
and peace follows near."

I miss you friend....and this song represents so many other seasons of kindred spirits that have come and gone in my life....Praise God that HE is steadfast and unchanging!

Such beautiful lyrics of the experience of community....write on, brother...sing your heart out!

Community Living

I've been thinking a lot about community lately, since a recent visit to Charlotte, NC. I've always been drawn to community. I was raised in an environment of people that called themselves the "community". I have lived to experience and taste true community and sadly witnessed false community as well.

To me, living in community is like the representation of the biblical, early church described in Acts 2:42. The component I believe we, as humans, trying to be better than we are, often miss is real transparency (for lack of a better word), vulnerability, and humility. So often we try to create groups of believers that get together to see who is wearing the nicest suit of fig leaves. We compare ourselves by who has it most together, who knows the most scripture, or who has sinned the least lately. We continue to try to modify our behavior, instead of letting the Divine Healer modify our hearts.

My point is this: all the behavior modification in the world will never change our hearts (I think Derek Webb says this in "The House Show" - excellent album). Jesus however, will change our hearts. Until we are willing to surrender, submit, and relinguish ALL control to the One who loves us most, only then, can we begin to experience true community with one another.

Then we can let another soul into our mess. Then we can truly testify and boast in our Savior. Then we can unwaveringly trust God's will and direction. Then we can more clearly hear His voice, even when it is a whisper. Then we can gloriously edify, love, sharpen, challenge, and correct one another in the body of Christ. Then we can boldy speak to one another truth in His love. Then we can joyfully serve each other and anticipate the needs of those around us. Then we can unabashedly step out in faith to love our brothers and sisters no matter how different. Then we can see the face of Christ, feel the love of the Father, and know the power of the Holy Spirit.

True community is being willing to love another unconditionally, serve another unselfishly, know another completely with all faults and darkness, and live together in honesty and harmony, all the while pressing on toward the goal of knowing Christ Jesus and the power of His death and resurrection.

I long for this type of relational community here in Atlanta. I grieve it's loss with my move away from Charlotte. I'll strive to find the "kindred" spirits that resonate with this ideal. I'll recklessly abandon myself to Christ in the waiting, and more so in the finding.

From a recent blog by Matt Conner:

In Ephesians, Paul prays for us to understand a few things about God and His Kingdom - one of those being “his vast inheritance in the saints…” That single line made me pause and seemed to flip everything around, suddenly causing miles of other passages to make sense (at least to me). The riches are His people. The inheritance to come can be found in the people being saved around us. Indeed, God’s most prized creation - man and woman - is indeed the treasure that Heaven will be full of.

Thus, you are my treasure, like it or not. And dreaming of “flying away” only keeps me from appreciating the beauty of you.

“The closest thing we have to Jesus on earth is one another.” Randall Goodgame

"To get in touch with the Creator, to truly appreciate Creation is to spend time with humanity." Eugene Peterson

Sophia Was a Wee Little Girl

My little niece, Sophia, just had a birthday....she is 2!! I am missing out on most of her life and that makes me sad. Today, there is a big hole in my heart for my family. Sometimes I wonder why I have to live so far away. Sometimes I want to get into my car and just drive 12 long hours just to give them hugs. Sometimes I just want to be loved by the ones that will always be there for me unconditionally. There have been many people I've shared seasons with that hold a special place in my heart and I miss them more than I can express. But, today, I miss my family in Michigan....Mom, Dad, Deborah, Adam, Lindsey, Jakey, Fia, Jeff, Michelle, Calvin.....and there's a new little Schneider boy making his way into the world soon that will just be one more person for me to miss!

And not to forget, Laura, in DC....I cried today listening to:
"There's only us, there's only this, forget regret, or life is yours to miss....no other road, no other way, no day but today! There's only now, there's only here, give in to love, or live in fear...."

The Lord has brought me here to Atlanta.....I know that it is His will and I know that He will ease the pain. The joy is in the memories and the anticipation of reunion. It just boggles my mind that such "wee" little people can have such a BIG place in our hearts.....Happy Birthday Fia! I love you! and Happy Birthday Adam! Family, I'm coming home soon!

"Oh, what I would give, to have the things that mean the most not to mean the things I miss..." Indigo Girls (Language or the Kiss)

The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These

"The face of a child says it all, especially the mouth part of the face" Jack Handy

Oh, to have more of the joy of children, less of the weight of the "stuff of earth", more of the boldness, less of the fears, more of the FAITH that our Savior desires of us.......and more of the energy!

I'm tired, ironically, from working all day with children.....physically tired, but spiritually awake.....Lord, grant me faith like a child so that I can trust and obey without hesitancy or reservation.....have Your way in me!

Crab Legs and Breezes

There's something oceanic about crab legs. I suppose it's a direct result of the crab having lived it's entire life in the ocean. (heheh) Tonight I had crab legs. I steamed 'em, cracked 'em, picked out the meat, dipped them in melted butter....mmmmm, good! I had originally hoped for someone to share them with, but, in lieu of human companionship, Christ pulled up a chair and dined with me. We had a beautiful date, we feasted, we talked, I gazed into His eyes. I opened all the windows in this apartment, and between the saltiness of the crab and the gentleness of the breeze, the Lord took my memories back to the ocean that I love to visit. His breeze is so refreshing to me. I wish we didn't have to settle for man made air-conditioning. I will always prefer the wind.....on the road or in my home. It reminds me of His freshness....of the way He enters my stuffiness and produces a beautiful aroma. I dreampt of the ocean and remembered the ways my God has met me standing on the shore. It was a satisfying evening of enjoying the company of my King, basking in His rest, and finding contentment in Christ.

I feel bad for people who are allergic to shellfish :(

"...maybe it's the way Your love swells beneath my skin, maybe it's the way my senses are full again....just as I am, You rush in without a warning, didn't think You would really want to come to this place, make it feel like a Sunday morning....." Sandra McCracken

Same God, different building!

This is most of Mt. Tabor Christian Church (thus far)! We have been meeting in the basement of the pastor's home since March, 2007. God has blessed us with a new location that has windows! Although that can be distracting, I love seeing the sunshine! The outdoors remind me of God's majestic sovereignty and glorious beauty! The restaurant where we meet is a quaint upscale Italian Bistro called Quanto Basta, located in Cumming, GA. Check out our website: www.mttaborchristianchurch.org

So, we are few, but we are strong because of the bond of Christ. We have come far on this journey as a church and God has moved mountains to develop our characters. He has taught us about grace, mercy, loving one another, the judgment seat, the power of the Word, our spiritual gifts, ministry and service, the gospel, our sinfulness, His love, repentance, forgiveness, bearing each other's burdens, relationships, and reconciliation. But mostly He has brought us to the cross to learn more about His Son, Jesus, that He chose to die for us "while we were still sinners", so that we might experience the abundance of His resurrected life!

The biggest thing I've learned this year is the balance between knowing Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. They are inseperable. It is imperative that we KNOW Christ in order to truly be led by the Spirit of the Living God, because the entire purpose of the Holy Spirit is to point us to Christ. (but that's another blog entirely)

We've only just begun and I am excited to watch expectantly as God continues to move in us, for us, and through us. He is mighty, holy, unchanging, beautiful, and sovereign. He is my first love and I will dance before my King. Praise the Lord for the wonders He has done. Press on Mt. Tabor! Rejoice in the truth of our Living God! Amen and amen.....

>"I will dance, I will sing, to be mad for my King.....and I'll become even more undignified than this......some may say it's foolishness...." Matt Redman

Though He slay me....

*from September 10th, 2007:

I've been thinking recently about Job and how how much the Lord took away from Him......I sang "Blessed be Your name" at church this Sunday and was reminded of:
On the road marked with suffering, there is pain in the offering - blessed be Your name...
I was worshipping at Connexion Church last week and as the tears rushed forth like a pent up flood......I was struck with the amazement of my familiarity of praising God in the midst of suffering.......my mind recalled the first time I tried to praise God when I was hurting, and how difficult and unusual it was, but then how freeing and releasing at the same time.........These days I can't wait to raise up my hands and my voice to touch Him and cry out to Him......for "though He slay me, I will yet praise Him".....
On this great journey of sanctification, I will be thankful for the times of suffering, I will be welcoming of the pain, I will be armored for the battle, I will sing in the jail cell, I will be wrecked at the cross of Christ, so that I may dance at the empty tomb of the Risen and Living Lord.......I believe these sufferings in my life will indeed reveal more of His glory..........
Be magnified and glorified Jesus, in my life, for Your name's sake! Lead me on.......

invitation

I consider myself to be a person of good intentions, a master of thoughtful plans, an over-organizer, and a micro-manager. The problem arises when the good intentions sit idle and remain just that (whether for myself or in service), the thoughtful planning becomes lofty and unattainable - leading to disappointment, the over-organizing gets out of hand and I do less creating due to an obsession with compartments, and the micro-managing doesn't allow me to trust anyone else to help me or work along side me.

So in an effort to allow myself to be constantly changed by the Shaper of my character, I want to record some of my thoughts here and invite you to come along this journey with me. I hope you will recognize the differences in me as I seek to follow harder after Christ. I hope you will disregard the amateurity of my blogging skills and the lack of word eloquency. I hope you will be encouraged, challenged, honed, and blessed for reading this. I pray you will see Jesus. I pray you will hear truth. I hope you will be changed from the inside out!

"My heart and my soul, I give You control, consume me from the inside out -
let justice and praise become my embrace, to love you from the inside out." Hillsong United