Somewhat Entertaining, Somewhat Disturbing

I really enjoy Dr. John Byron's posts because they afford me the opportunity to read engaging articles from various sources without having to be the one to discover them. So thanks, Dr. Byron, for finding some "gems" for me to enjoy without the effort of mining them myself!

 http://thebiblicalworld.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-reason-why-people-should-read.html

Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea   One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

If you're searching for an uplifting and riveting story, check out Three Cups of Tea. This biographical account of one courageous mountain climber focuses on his quest to bring education to impoverished communities in the remotest areas of Pakistan. Mountaineer Greg Mortenson's promise and outcome to build a school in the Karakoraam Mountains of Pakistan is expertly chronicled by David Oliver Relin. Eventually fifty-five schools were built due to the perseverance of Mortenson fueled by a great compassion for humanity.

I'd love to hear what books you are reading that have captured your interest as well.

Abba

Check out Chris Cahill's post. Definitely food for thought and some healthy discussion~

http://sightingsontheway.blogspot.com/2011/10/courageous.html

Thanks Chris for your review of "Courageous."  I have not seen the movie so I cannot comment.

donna

Celebrating Saturdays

Many of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ celebrated Reformation Sunday yesterday in worship services around the world. How glorious to acknowledge and praise God for the way he has moved in his Church. My heart has always been drawn to those chronos times in church when we become more aware of the kairotic moments of God's presence and activity in our lives. I enjoy hearing about all the hustle and bustle of preparing and experiencing Reformation Sunday from my daughter and her husband. I honor and respect Pastor Chris Cahill's reflections on Martin Luther and Chris' faithfulness to provide his church body with a sense of their biblical-historical tradition.

Isn't it wonderful when we can go to church and celebrate?

At Park Street Brethren Church, Pastor Bill often reminds us that worship is not about us, it's about honoring God. Yesterday we honored God by praising him for his love and thanking him for moving our church body to respond in loving obedience. We celebrated by testifying to how God is using our people to heal and bless the community we live in. The previous Sunday we gathered for breakfast, prayer and worship in song, and then scattered to serve the community in numerous ways. Wood was chopped for widows who heat their homes with wood stoves, parks were cleaned up, single Moms received help with household repairs, and blankets were sewn for first responders to take to children in crisis. These are just a few of the projects that were tackled last Sunday, and perhaps most importantly, new relationships were formed.  I anticipate some of these acts of service will be ongoing. That is something to celebrate!

Another celebration took place yesterday at  Inner Healing Ministries in South Euclid, Ohio. The church body was overflowing with praise for how God manifested his presence the day before. On Saturday, over eighty people representing ten churches participated in a healing conference. This conference addressed how to minister to: those who have been sexually abused; men who are seeking to become more like Jesus in their minds and hearts; leaders who want to facilitate healing in small groups; and God's people who are struggling with forgiveness. On Sunday, the Inner Healing Ministries church, under the shepherding of Dr. Reverend Benjamin Franklin, Jr., responded to God's anointing on Saturday through hearts of gratitude and praise for his greatness.

I've been thinking about the "Saturdays" of our lives. What is it that God is doing from Monday to Saturday, through you and through others, that you celebrate on Sunday?

What "Saturdays" are you celebrating on Sunday these days?

 You make known to me the path of life;

 in your presence there is fullness of joy;
 at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
 (Psalm 16:11 ESV)

You teach me the way of life.

In your presence is total celebration.

Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

(Psalm 16:11 CEB) 

The Anatomy of a Soul

Would you like to better understand yourself, others and God? Are you interested in understanding how your children's brains are developing? Would you like to keep up with the current neurological research without having to delve into its most technical aspects? If so, you may enjoy Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, M.D. It is an easy read with rich insights to Christian spirituality and the way our brain processes our relationships to God and others.
You may differ with some of Thompson's theological concepts, but the heart of the book is quite engaging. If any of you out there are reading this book, I'd love to hear your reflections.

donna

Help for the Homeless

Greetings friends,
I am looking for a mental health facility or halfway house for a 22 year old schizophrenic man that will be released from the hospital soon. He tried to commit suicide Friday, broke both ankles through jumping off a bridge, and has no insurance or money to pay for residential care.

Anyone know of any leads? I understand the Vineyard Association churches have been very helpful to the poor and marginalized in the Cincinnati and Columbus areas. If any of you have a connection, please let me know.

Thanks,
Donna

Full Capacity

Today I am blessed by the visit of Pete Ohs and his wife Andrea. Our family has known Pete since he was born and he has been my son Brian's best friend since pre-school days. Interestingly, they are both "middle children" and incredibly sensitive, creative human beings. Pete and Brian spent many of their school years together in journalistic endeavors; Brian mostly in print but some video and Pete mostly in video projects. They would talk endlessly about film and script writing. Some of their joint high school projects were quite hilarious and they dreamt about the day when they would make their mark on the film industry. I, too, wondered where all this creative energy would lead them (especially as they matured) and am amazed at the way their sensitive spirits are touching lives through their giftings.

What they are doing today astounds me and I could not have envisioned the lives they are leading. Which brings me to the point of this blog. How often do we limit people by our preconceived notions of what we think they should be like? Do we place expectations on people according to our perspectives or agendas?

One of my most glaring examples of imposing my agenda on Brian was during his first Christmas teaching overseas. Much to my dismay, Brian called home the day after Christmas. I was awaiting his phone call and I had been praying that he would connect with a loving family to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I was worried about how lonely he would be. When he finally did call, I was humbled by his Christmas day report. "Mom," he excitedly shouted in the phone (that's Brian, he gets louder when he gets excited) "I just had the best Christmas day in my whole life!" Hmmmm.... without his family? (This is what I selfishly thought.) Brian continued with exuberance, "I spent the day with a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and I helped him from relapsing. I helped him with his loneliness which kept him from taking a drink. It was the best Christmas ever!"

In one split second I was full of a Mother's pride and the Holy Spirit's conviction. And again I wonder, how often do I limit people by my preconceived notions of what I think they should be like? I wanted Brian to find a loving family to take care of him. Instead Brian found the joy of caring for another. His loving action put my Christmas day agenda to shame.

Back to Brian and Pete. After high school they went to different colleges. Pete got married and Brian remained single. Both pursued their gifts. Brian is now a writer and teacher and Pete is now a film producer. Their career paths are not a surprise to me. But I did not anticipate how their interests would bring them back together again.  Unbeknownst to each other, Brian and Pete began studying the brain, mental illness and schizophrenia. Yes, that is quite the coincidence. Each have become absorbed with helping a population which is devastated by this illness. Brian spends his free time studying the latest research on neuroscience and neuropsychology. Pete spends his time gathering research for a documentary he is producing on the life of the schizophrenic which will be entered in national film festivals.

As I write, they are watching Pete's documentary and sharing what they've learned through their studies. Pete's goal is to raise awareness of the struggles for schizophrenics and their families, for his wife's brother bears that diagnosis with its daily struggles to just survive. Brian's goal is to someday write a book that makes a difference in the lives of those with mental illness. Through Brian and Pete, I am learning to appreciate the endless possibilities of what life can be for those I love and serve.

Through God's grace, he hasn't limited me. Miraculously, in him I have the capacity for becoming more than I ever thought I could be. He is slowly shaping me to become more like Jesus. Lord, give my eyes to see that capacity in others.