Tuesday, March 20, 2012
What are your dreams?
I found this today, in a file of papers. I wrote this on April 23, 2009 during a time of prayer. It's a more personal entry than usual, but it's been a difficult, personal few weeks. What is amazing to me, is how God was preparing me almost three years ago for the past few weeks and today and tomorrow. And how this dream has not faded, but only become more vibrant and important.
I dream of a Church...
A group of people totally obsessed with the love of God.
I dream of a church that creates and leads the community to THE HOPE through stories and love.
I dream of a church that does not exist in a building, but as a community. I dream of a church that is no afraid of the world, but engages the world so that it may taste the GOODNESS OF THE LORD.
I dream of a church that is concerned about starving people; dying people; orphans; girls who have been sold as sex slaves; boys who are addicted to porn; fathers who don't know how they will provide for their families next meal; abusive parents and abused children; people who are locked up in prisons-both the innocent and the guilty; rich executives who have lost sight of their ethics; average Americans who have never known how to manage their money; moms who never feel good enough; young people searching for a way to make a difference and grabbing on to whatever finds them first. I DREAM of a CHURCH that doesn't just express concern with their words and prayers, but gives ACTION TO THOSE CONCERNS.
I dream of a church that is more concerned about PEOPLE, God's favorite creation, than music, carpet color, buildings, creation vs. evolution, politics, denominations, and theological subscriptions, or even their eternal reward.
I dream of a church that is honest, Honest enough to say it screws-up- both individually and corporately. I dream of a church that believes in the power of redemption through Jesus' blood enough to drag out its dirtiest members and most "sacred" secrets and say, "THIS IS WHO WE ARE (WERE), AND LOOK AT WHAT GOD HAS DONE!"
I dream of a church whose vision and activities consist of two things only- LOVE GOD! LOVE PEOPLE. If it's not one of those two thins, then it doesn't matter.
And I DREAM of being ONE, SINGLE, small part of that church.
This dream is my mission.
I know that I can not build this dream, but I believe in a God who can. And over the past few weeks, I've seen a "church- a community of people" who have been this dream to me.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Plans, with prayer
I'm sure that some of you are ready for an update that includes more than "we are praying." prayer is a good thing, and at the end of this blog post I'm going to share with you some specific ways you can join us in prayer, but first let me share with you some of the things we have been contemplating.
It seems as though there is no way to start a tutoring center in the neighborhood at this point. The Clay County zoning board says it can't happen.
So we have been thinking and imagining what we could do instead. Here are some of the ideas in no particular order.
1. School-parent liaison. We think it would be a good idea to have someone at the school who could facilitate conversation between parents and classroom teachers. Sometimes families, for whatever reason, are reluctant to contact the school with questions or even to come to school for a conference when requested by the teacher. Unfortunately the classroom teacher's job is changing and it is difficult for them to put in a lot of extra time and effort into communication with parents. We see, that at our school, especially in the K-2 grades it would be helpful to have a "middle man." This school liaison would not wait until there is a problem but try to target at-risk families and then "train" them on the best ways to communicate with teachers and how to get the information they need to help their child succeed.
2. A real bus. Currently our book bus is just our cars, but all along we have talked about getting a real bus that we could convert into a classroom/computer lab/library. We could drive into the neighborhood, park, and offer training in a number of areas.
3. Church. We can't start a school in the neighborhood, but we can start a church. We would have to develop land and buildings that would meeting building codes, which would be pricey. As a side note: there is a saloon, one of the few pieces of commercial property that backs up to the neighborhood, which we have discussed seeing if they would be willing to let us meet there on Sunday mornings. We have not talked to the owners of the saloon, but it is an idea we are playing with.
4. Relationships and Homes. We have also discussed that if we could build enough relationships with people in the neighborhood, then our new friends might be willing to host classes or group discussions in their homes.
We think these are good ideas. We think all of these ideas could end up working together.
We don't want to do what we think, though. We want to do what God has planned for us. We know that whatever His plan is will work out and we won't have to make it happen. We know there is work to be done, but that His work is fulfilling and life-giving.
We also know that prayer works. We know that as we seek God, He will be faithful to lead us in His direction. So, we have decided to pray the hours of prayer (3am, 6am, 9am, noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm). We have split the hours amongst our core team so that someone prays at each hour, then we are all praying together at 9pm. We would love for you to join us at one of these hours, especially 9pm.
There are no real rules here. Pray for as long as you like however you like (write it down, sing it, etc). No need to report to anyone, unless of course you have a vision for us...then please share!
This is the prayer we have all agreed to start with, and then we will see where God leads from there.
Lord, help me now to unclutter my life, to organize myself in the direction of simplicity. Lord, teach me to listen to my heart; teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it. Lord, I give you these stirrings inside me. I give you my discontent. I give you my restlessness. I give you my doubt. I give you my despair. I give you all the longings I hold inside. Help me listen to these signs of change, of growth; help me to listen seriously and follow where they lead through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.
We are still planning our class for new moms, and the book bus will be out again this weekend- so these are things that are already happening that you could pray for as well.
It seems as though there is no way to start a tutoring center in the neighborhood at this point. The Clay County zoning board says it can't happen.
So we have been thinking and imagining what we could do instead. Here are some of the ideas in no particular order.
1. School-parent liaison. We think it would be a good idea to have someone at the school who could facilitate conversation between parents and classroom teachers. Sometimes families, for whatever reason, are reluctant to contact the school with questions or even to come to school for a conference when requested by the teacher. Unfortunately the classroom teacher's job is changing and it is difficult for them to put in a lot of extra time and effort into communication with parents. We see, that at our school, especially in the K-2 grades it would be helpful to have a "middle man." This school liaison would not wait until there is a problem but try to target at-risk families and then "train" them on the best ways to communicate with teachers and how to get the information they need to help their child succeed.
2. A real bus. Currently our book bus is just our cars, but all along we have talked about getting a real bus that we could convert into a classroom/computer lab/library. We could drive into the neighborhood, park, and offer training in a number of areas.
3. Church. We can't start a school in the neighborhood, but we can start a church. We would have to develop land and buildings that would meeting building codes, which would be pricey. As a side note: there is a saloon, one of the few pieces of commercial property that backs up to the neighborhood, which we have discussed seeing if they would be willing to let us meet there on Sunday mornings. We have not talked to the owners of the saloon, but it is an idea we are playing with.
4. Relationships and Homes. We have also discussed that if we could build enough relationships with people in the neighborhood, then our new friends might be willing to host classes or group discussions in their homes.
We think these are good ideas. We think all of these ideas could end up working together.
We don't want to do what we think, though. We want to do what God has planned for us. We know that whatever His plan is will work out and we won't have to make it happen. We know there is work to be done, but that His work is fulfilling and life-giving.
We also know that prayer works. We know that as we seek God, He will be faithful to lead us in His direction. So, we have decided to pray the hours of prayer (3am, 6am, 9am, noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm). We have split the hours amongst our core team so that someone prays at each hour, then we are all praying together at 9pm. We would love for you to join us at one of these hours, especially 9pm.
There are no real rules here. Pray for as long as you like however you like (write it down, sing it, etc). No need to report to anyone, unless of course you have a vision for us...then please share!
This is the prayer we have all agreed to start with, and then we will see where God leads from there.
Lord, help me now to unclutter my life, to organize myself in the direction of simplicity. Lord, teach me to listen to my heart; teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it. Lord, I give you these stirrings inside me. I give you my discontent. I give you my restlessness. I give you my doubt. I give you my despair. I give you all the longings I hold inside. Help me listen to these signs of change, of growth; help me to listen seriously and follow where they lead through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.
We are still planning our class for new moms, and the book bus will be out again this weekend- so these are things that are already happening that you could pray for as well.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Clean up Your Act!
That is
exactly what happened to us last week. Angels
of mercy (and organization) descended on the Book Bus closet and turned it from
chaos and confusion to orderly arranged bins labeled from board books to adult
fiction. In reflection, I am amazed at the gift these lovely ladies shared with
us.
Every month
Carey and I enjoy hauling the 15+ bins of books through the neighborhood of
High Ridge. They make their way in and out of our vehicles at four different book stops. The outing takes us a little
over 2 hours and brings us more joy than we can explain. However the task of
getting that closet to a place where we could take more books and be more
efficient never quite got accomplished. I marvel how those 3 lovely women got
it done in less than a school day. It just goes to show you that God gives each
of us unique gifts. Kyla, Mary Ann and
LaDonna, we so appreciate your gifts. Thank you for using them to help our
ministry.
Since a picture
is worth a thousand words……
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thank You!
Teri and I started dreaming this dream more than a year ago. We gathered a group of people to start talking about this idea almost a year ago. During that year..
We have made several book bus trips. We have made friends and acquaintances. We have watched these friends and acquaintances experience highs and lows. We have looked at more than ten pieces of property. We have given away hundreds of books. We have had two lengthy conversations with the zoning board. We have started this blog and passed out a few business cards. We have prayed and asked others to pray.
We continue to believe that moving into the neighborhood is vital.
"the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood."
John 1:24 The Message
But, we are sensing that God is telling us maybe our "plan" isn't really his plan. There is scripture about that too.
So, we are taking a few steps back and re-thinking.
Re-thinking is difficult work. It isn't far from repenting. It is discouraging, even if it is necessary.
I want to thank all of you whom have been so encouraging! Reading, commenting on the blog and in person or via email, praying, doing, suggesting, listening, traveling with us on the book bus, volunteering to help us re-organize our book closet, sending cards and donations- these are all things people have done for us.
And, as we are in these foggy, rethinking kind of days, we appreciate all that you do even more.
We know sunny days are on the way! We hope that as we travel through these harder days, you will continue to pray for us.
We really want to follow God's plan not ours, even if that means we never have a place to call our own.
We have been talking about gathering for some corporate prayer, but in the mean time please include us in your daily prayer time- I'm not even exactly sure what to ask you to pray for. But there is a prayer written by Thomas Merton that expresses so clearly where I think we are...maybe it will give you some inspiration as you pray for us.
Again, thank you all so much for all of your encouragement and support.
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
-Thomas Merton
We have made several book bus trips. We have made friends and acquaintances. We have watched these friends and acquaintances experience highs and lows. We have looked at more than ten pieces of property. We have given away hundreds of books. We have had two lengthy conversations with the zoning board. We have started this blog and passed out a few business cards. We have prayed and asked others to pray.
We continue to believe that moving into the neighborhood is vital.
"the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood."
John 1:24 The Message
But, we are sensing that God is telling us maybe our "plan" isn't really his plan. There is scripture about that too.
So, we are taking a few steps back and re-thinking.
Re-thinking is difficult work. It isn't far from repenting. It is discouraging, even if it is necessary.
I want to thank all of you whom have been so encouraging! Reading, commenting on the blog and in person or via email, praying, doing, suggesting, listening, traveling with us on the book bus, volunteering to help us re-organize our book closet, sending cards and donations- these are all things people have done for us.
And, as we are in these foggy, rethinking kind of days, we appreciate all that you do even more.
We know sunny days are on the way! We hope that as we travel through these harder days, you will continue to pray for us.
We really want to follow God's plan not ours, even if that means we never have a place to call our own.
We have been talking about gathering for some corporate prayer, but in the mean time please include us in your daily prayer time- I'm not even exactly sure what to ask you to pray for. But there is a prayer written by Thomas Merton that expresses so clearly where I think we are...maybe it will give you some inspiration as you pray for us.
Again, thank you all so much for all of your encouragement and support.
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
-Thomas Merton
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February Book Bus
The 2nd Saturday of the month may mean yard sales to some, but in High Ridge it means the Book Bus is coming. Fortunately the rained cleared well before the first stop at 10:30am. The sun was shining but there was a chill in the air. The Book Bus pulled up to find people anxiously waiting to peruse the tubs filled with a large selection of children and adult literature. Hot chocolate was eagerly accepted with marshmallows, of course.
Each stop brought appreciative folks thrilled for the opportunity to build their home library. One young man was excited to find just the right book to help him with a literature project due next week. Families came looking for specific authors, others asked for help finding appropriate books for their beginning reader.
Today we calculated about 50 people came to pick out books. Since everyone is allowed 5 books that means we gave away close to 250 books. Luckily there are still plenty more books thanks to all the generous donations.
It just amazes me how much fun can be had riding around giving away used books. Let us know if you’d like to ride along.
 |
| Lots of families looking for some good books. |
 |
| That's the face of someone who found the perfect book. |
 |
| Have bike... Will read |
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Just wondering...
I wonder where are we headed? What is the plan here? When will we have a plan?
I wonder how will anyone ever make a real difference in this little neighborhood that is totally locked-in land-wise. Since the county has told us it will be very difficult for us to be "in the neighborhood," I went for a drive today to determine what our options are just outside of the neighborhood. Well, that didn't look so great either.
So, then, I wonder, how long will this larger community, this town ignore this neighborhood that is in such need and has so much to offer. This neigborhood, yes, is filled with addicts of all sorts, criminals, the elderly, and the mentally and physically handicapped. But, this community is also filled with sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, artists, people who work hard, people who just need a little help and someone to listen to their story and someone to answer their questions.
I wonder, if this town continues to ignore High Ridge, because let's face it...it is easy to ignore, it is mostly hidden from sight, what will our town become? Will it become like High Ridge? Or will it continue to be more and more wealthy and ignore this neighborhood that continues to struggle and struggle? Neither is good, right? Neither is what Jesus had in mind, right?
And I wonder, where is the church? Didn't Jesus come to rescue the poor and down and out and the broken-hearted and the captives? Why are so few of his followers (and in our little town the majority of people claim to be his followers) ignoring the people he came to rescue? I wonder if the church focused on reaching these people whom Jesus focused on, would we need all of our gimmicks? Would we need all of our programs? Or would we just find that as we acted like Jesus (obviously we have to study scripture to know how to do that) and talked to the kinds of people Jesus spent so much of his time with (and then debriefed from these experiences with other people trying to follow Jesus), that we would actually become more and more like him?
I know this is harsh. And I know that I have to judge myself here too, and I know that often times I screw all of this up. I know that I have been, and am still, blind to the people around me who are in need.
I know there are people and churches who are ministering to the down and out. I just wonder if we are doing enough. I wonder are we really going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"?
Anybody have any answers? I don't. Anybody want to add some questions? I'm sure I will have more.
Trying a new thing:
I wonder how will anyone ever make a real difference in this little neighborhood that is totally locked-in land-wise. Since the county has told us it will be very difficult for us to be "in the neighborhood," I went for a drive today to determine what our options are just outside of the neighborhood. Well, that didn't look so great either.
So, then, I wonder, how long will this larger community, this town ignore this neighborhood that is in such need and has so much to offer. This neigborhood, yes, is filled with addicts of all sorts, criminals, the elderly, and the mentally and physically handicapped. But, this community is also filled with sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, artists, people who work hard, people who just need a little help and someone to listen to their story and someone to answer their questions.
I wonder, if this town continues to ignore High Ridge, because let's face it...it is easy to ignore, it is mostly hidden from sight, what will our town become? Will it become like High Ridge? Or will it continue to be more and more wealthy and ignore this neighborhood that continues to struggle and struggle? Neither is good, right? Neither is what Jesus had in mind, right?
And I wonder, where is the church? Didn't Jesus come to rescue the poor and down and out and the broken-hearted and the captives? Why are so few of his followers (and in our little town the majority of people claim to be his followers) ignoring the people he came to rescue? I wonder if the church focused on reaching these people whom Jesus focused on, would we need all of our gimmicks? Would we need all of our programs? Or would we just find that as we acted like Jesus (obviously we have to study scripture to know how to do that) and talked to the kinds of people Jesus spent so much of his time with (and then debriefed from these experiences with other people trying to follow Jesus), that we would actually become more and more like him?
I know this is harsh. And I know that I have to judge myself here too, and I know that often times I screw all of this up. I know that I have been, and am still, blind to the people around me who are in need.
I know there are people and churches who are ministering to the down and out. I just wonder if we are doing enough. I wonder are we really going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"?
Anybody have any answers? I don't. Anybody want to add some questions? I'm sure I will have more.
Trying a new thing:
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A little encouragement
I've refrained from saying much because I didn't want you all to have to listen to me whine. I have two young children, so I know the torture of listening to a poor-pitiful-me-saga.
On Sunday, I received some encouragement, so let me share that story.
Maybe you find yourself a little down about this or that, and somehow, this story will encourage you too.
At the end of the church service I attend, there is always a closing song and an invitation to spend some time at the altar in prayer.
During the closing song, I was thinking about all of this "seeds of grace" stuff and all of the obstacles we need to overcome and how few answers I have. I was thinking how I would love to have my church body and all of my friends rallied behind this idea. But, it is hard to rally people when you aren't exactly sure how you are going to make any of your ideas happen.
My prayer is over and over again, God show us the way. Open our eyes.
Anyway...I sort of came to this "ok, God, I know that you led me here. I know that you have put these ideas in my heart. For a long time, you have been giving me these wild, crazy dreams (for about 10 years). I have NO IDEA how you are going to make ANY of them happen, but I'm trusting that you are going to show me the way."
It wasn't emotional. It wasn't an epiphany. It was more...a very matter-of-fact, I've said this before, but just so we both know...
So, that wasn't really the encouraging part. The encouraging part was that this woman, whom I would not normally call bold, came to me and with great boldness and surety said, "I know you must be discouraged. I know that it must seem like every time you take one step, you get knocked back two. But, I want you to know that God is gonna make a way and that I am praying and will keep praying."
We had talked a little before church, so she knew some of what we are facing. She has been working on a simple cookbook that we can use to teach some classes when we do "get a place." She is with us, has joined the rally, and she isn't family, so she doesn't have to-ha. It's encouraging.
I'm so thankful God gives us these little gifts to keep us going. I'm so glad this sweet lady was obedient.
Hope someone encourages you this week. Hope that whatever it is you might be trying to sort through, you find the strength to believe that God is with you and he will show you the way. Because He will...
On Sunday, I received some encouragement, so let me share that story.
Maybe you find yourself a little down about this or that, and somehow, this story will encourage you too.
At the end of the church service I attend, there is always a closing song and an invitation to spend some time at the altar in prayer.
During the closing song, I was thinking about all of this "seeds of grace" stuff and all of the obstacles we need to overcome and how few answers I have. I was thinking how I would love to have my church body and all of my friends rallied behind this idea. But, it is hard to rally people when you aren't exactly sure how you are going to make any of your ideas happen.
My prayer is over and over again, God show us the way. Open our eyes.
Anyway...I sort of came to this "ok, God, I know that you led me here. I know that you have put these ideas in my heart. For a long time, you have been giving me these wild, crazy dreams (for about 10 years). I have NO IDEA how you are going to make ANY of them happen, but I'm trusting that you are going to show me the way."
It wasn't emotional. It wasn't an epiphany. It was more...a very matter-of-fact, I've said this before, but just so we both know...
So, that wasn't really the encouraging part. The encouraging part was that this woman, whom I would not normally call bold, came to me and with great boldness and surety said, "I know you must be discouraged. I know that it must seem like every time you take one step, you get knocked back two. But, I want you to know that God is gonna make a way and that I am praying and will keep praying."
We had talked a little before church, so she knew some of what we are facing. She has been working on a simple cookbook that we can use to teach some classes when we do "get a place." She is with us, has joined the rally, and she isn't family, so she doesn't have to-ha. It's encouraging.
I'm so thankful God gives us these little gifts to keep us going. I'm so glad this sweet lady was obedient.
Hope someone encourages you this week. Hope that whatever it is you might be trying to sort through, you find the strength to believe that God is with you and he will show you the way. Because He will...
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