tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46530910767440873772024-03-05T11:47:23.733-08:00Come On AdventureWe are so glad you decided to take some time to find out what is going on with the Collie's new adventure. We hope this is informative and helps you know how to rejoice with us and how to pray for us. Thanks for coming along!Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-80820208592009418972013-01-14T07:48:00.002-08:002013-01-14T07:48:29.566-08:00How Much Do You Notice Around You & What Do You Do With What You See?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">Characteristic #3 – Attentiveness and Perception<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">To possess and demonstrate the attitude of hospitality, we must develop the ability to be attentive and perceptive. We must see who is around us and then discover how to be more loving and accepting of the stranger within ourselves and the stranger who we rub shoulders with on the path. It is choosing to be present enough in our daily meanderings that we can help the person who feels invisible to feel visible. Parker Palmer writes this, “An inhospitable space is one where people feel invisible – or visible but on trial. A hospitable space is alive with trust and good will, rooted in a sense of our common humanity.” In order for us to possess hospitality in this way, attentiveness and perception are a couple of things we should consider as we strive to become people of welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">What does it mean to be attentive to the people around us? An attentive person is heedful of other people’s comfort levels as they walk through life. They have a practice of taking inventory of what and who is in their path. It is not just noticing that the lady walking by is wearing a blue shirt and khakis, but whether or not she is walking with purpose or if she has her head down and shoulders dropped as if she had just lost a championship game. It is noticing her hair and her demeanor. Is she smiling? Does she look like she slept well last night? Is she looking for a friend or a smiling face, or does she look like she is hiding even though she is out on the street?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">We can be attentive when we are willing to put our own distractions of everyday life aside in order to have the time and ability to see how others are coping with life. It comes from choosing to be present where we are. The first step in compassion is seeing a need. The attentive person makes it their goal to try to see the needs of each person they encounter on a daily basis. They look deeper than appearances in order to understand the attitudes of another person through his or her words or silence, expressions and posture. This takes time, energy and practice!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">Keep in mind this is not a command to go out and meet everyone’s needs right this minute, but in order to be a hospitable people, we must move toward this way of engaging our world by taking practical steps in that direction. My suggestion, and my practice as well, is this: think of one person you encounter on a daily basis and ask the Holy Spirit to let you see that person through God’s hopes and dreams for their lives. In doing this, we will not get bogged down in figuring out <i>how</i> we can meet the needs we see or get frustrated in our inability to solve every problem. Just take a moment to pray and ask God to help them through whatever you have seen them dealing with. Then listen to what the Holy Spirit says to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">As a word of caution: if we practice attentiveness without the Holy Spirit directing our perception, we run the risk of corrupting our souls. If we just notice the needs of people, we can become judgmental, impatient, and bitter people. Hospitality requires that we practice being attentive AND perceptive. Attentiveness is the practice of noticing the details around us, but godly perception involves taking what we notice and handling it the way Christ would. When we perceive others in this way, we are compelled to do what is best for the other person. We honor them, value them and love them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">Perception is a form of listening—that is, disciplining our hearts to see and hear what God wants for His creation. This is the practice of listening not just with our ears and eyes, but also with our hearts through the Holy Spirit. When we are willing to take the time to learn how to perceive what is going on around us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we then begin to see what God sees in people. As God opens our eyes, He equips our hands to reach out and meet the needs in ways only He could do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">Why must we accompany our attentiveness with Holy Spirit perception? It is the difference between judgment and grace. Between peace and hostility. It’s what draws the line between prejudice and acceptance. Relying on the Holy Spirit means that our hearts must be humble. Pride tends to rear its head when we start looking, really looking at other people. It would be easy for us to start evaluating others, pinpointing their flaws, and judging their actions. On top of that, pride calls us to cover over the faults we might recognize in ourselves when we reach out to another. We want to hide our fears and insecurities, so we begin to compare ourselves to the people we see. These attitudes drive us to separate ourselves from those around us and cause us to organize our lives so that we stay safe, protected, and feeling better about ourselves. What happens then instead of welcoming the stranger we are being attentive to, we push him away and guard ourselves from the welcome we need as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">So where does the humility come from? There exists a powerful balm in remembering how sinful we are and recognizing how fully Christ has forgiven us. He has seen our need, understood our separation and welcomed us to His family. So whatever in me remains unsightly or insecure or fearful, I know there is hope because I have been seen and noticed and loved by the King. Often the pattern is that when we are attentive to others and perceptive of their hearts, our hearts are changed as well. As we practice hospitality, there is a dual transformation occurring—the stranger’s needs are being met and our lives are being formed into the image of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">It is not surprising then why we do not practice hospitality more readily. Not only do we encounter the cost involved in helping another but we are met with the depth of our own need. The challenge often seems too much for us, too overwhelming, too costly. It is at this place that we are invited to take the hand of the Holy Spirit as he introduces us to the beauty of both the stranger we meet and the stranger within us. When we ask God to give us His eyes for the people around us, we begin to get a glimpse of God’s deepest longing for us as well. Seeing God’s hopes for our own lives is God’s way of pruning and refining our own souls as we learn to love the stranger among us. Taking steps into the life of hospitality allows us to see more clearly all God has done for us and how powerful His story really is in our lives. Glimpses of this truth can change the deepest hostilities, fears, and judgments we carry of the stranger. Hospitality then becomes not something we must do but rather an outpouring of thankfulness for the welcome we have already received from the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">So if this is how we want to live and this is who we want to become, how do we begin? Well, as I said before, this is a practice that we are not naturally good at so we must practice. We must not get overwhelmed by the enormous task of being this type of person to everyone right away, but we must begin somewhere. So, my challenge to us is to begin praying and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us to a person who is in our daily life that we might begin practicing being attentive to, so we can begin to see what is going on in their life. Take time to talk to that person each time you see them whether it is convenient or not. Make an effort to do more listening than talking. Notice their actions, take into account what they say and how they say it. Continue this consistent interaction for a couple of week, taking note of any patterns that surface. If it helps, write down what you observe after you have seen the person. Remember to allow those observations to become a place where you pray for them and not judge them. Pray and ask God to allow you to use the things you observe as a window into their physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. Remember, those needs could be as simple as paying for their lunch tomorrow, or it might be a deeper issue of a cry for peace, acceptance, or of being understood. Then as we pray and allow the Holy Spirit to show us the needs God sees in this person’s life, we must be ready and available to meet the needs we see as the Spirit directs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">God will give us wisdom if we ask and He will walk with us in this new spiritual practice. Living a life of hospitality will be the hardest thing we ever take time to learn and do, but it will transport us to a brand new spiritual understanding of who God is and how deep His love is for each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">If you are a follower of Christ and you want to make a difference in those around you… I beg you to start here with learning to see others more important than yourself. No matter how you feel tomorrow morning, this is your call. Be imitators of Christ, who for the sake of the cross became a man and gave up all privilege and honor to walk among us for the specific plan to provide a way for us to be welcomed into his holy presence and so we can be invited into the presence of our God and so we can be a part of His eternal family. Go and be imitators of Christ! </span></div>
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Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-45149622098472819972012-11-13T18:16:00.003-08:002012-11-13T18:16:41.239-08:00Have You Ever Truly Felt Safe?
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hospitality Characteristic #2</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Safe/ relaxed</b> – <i>This person is
not fidgety, or self-conscious. They are at ease with themselves and carry with
them an attitude that everything is in its place and the day is going just like
it should, even if it’s not.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a moment and think about where you feel most safe.
Where are you most at ease and relaxed? Where or with whom do you feel most
accepted? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answers to these questions can be very insightful in developing
a hospitable attitude. In order to be a safe and relaxed haven for strangers
and friends, you must understand where you feel safe and relaxed and why.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot answer this question fully for you or present you
with a three step process for creating this characteristic of hospitality in
your everyday life, but I will describe for you where I feel safe and relaxed
and how I try to create this space for those I cross paths with everyday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I personally feel the safest when I am with people I know
and trust, and who know me and trust me. I am most relaxed when those around me
are relaxed. If those I am around are stressed or disgruntled or obviously
worried about themselves or their surroundings, I find myself feeling the same
things. I find myself taking on their worry or uneasiness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I feel safe at home? Well, for one, it’s familiar.
It’s a place I have worked hard to create. The temperature, the decorations,
and the food in the fridge are all things I have seen before and grown
accustomed to. There are no surprises in this place. Most things are
predictable and controlled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have realized I also feel safe when things are seemingly
under control. I spent a few years in Moscow, Russia, and the buses and metros
always felt safe to me as long as I I had space to move or I had easy access to
all sides of me. That feeling of safety would quickly diminish with each extra
person who entered my metro car. There were times when I was so crammed in that
my feet were almost launched off the floor. It was in these times that I felt
vulnerable and alone. Even if I was riding with others, they were no help to me
if someone wanted to go through my pockets and take my belongings. I know
people who did not like this feeling so much that they would take an extra
thirty minutes to an hour to only ride buses. They did this only to provide
themselves with the feeling of safety or control. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The crazy thing that I have found in my meanderings through
life is that most of us gravitate to places where we feel safe. People will go
out of their way to protect themselves from feeling unsafe or out of control. Hospitable
people recognize this need and seek to create a place where people can feel at
ease. This cannot happen unless this person knows how to create an atmosphere
where there is peace instead of chaos. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This can happen on the street as you pass by someone or at
the coffee shop or at school or even in your own home. The funny thing is that
in reality this can happen wherever you go and in whatever place you find
yourself. Most people in the West associate hospitality with hosting a meal and
most likely the association creates an image of being in a home. The true
attitude of hospitality does not happen only at a certain places, but must be
present wherever you go. It is an attitude you possess and demonstrate wherever
you go because it is a part of who you are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife does this so well. She can make people feel safe
when she is dropping Silas off at school, or when she meets that other mom at
the playground, or when she invites the mom who doesn’t speak English to go to
story time and shopping with her. She can of course present this safe and
relaxed feel at home, but she makes people feel safe wherever she is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ability to create this feeling of safety and of being
relaxed stems from a couple things: 1. Understanding fully what God has done for
you in accepting you for who you are and forgiving you for your personal
blemishes and 2. Learning to put your own fears and insecurities aside for a
moment in order to offer a friendly smile to the people who are in your space. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Galatians 4:4-5</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> – “</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">But
when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the
law. <b> </b>God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the
law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">These verses capture the essence of this principle of hospitality. When
you remember that the attitude of hospitality stems only from the understanding
of what God has done for us and the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence in our
lives, then it begins to make sense. It is not in our nature to work hard to
make someone else’s life safer or less stressful. Rather, it is our nature to
protect ourselves and watch out for our own. The word in Galatians points us to
a different pattern. God saw us living in the perpetual circle of guilt, shame,
fear, and death. He saw fit to remove Himself from His comfortable place and
enter our world of unrest in order to offer us and invite us into something beautiful.
He offers us a perfect place of rest, feasting, and safety from the darkness.
He left His comfortable place and came into our lives to simply offer safety
and rest to us. That is beautiful! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When we begin to realize the great display of God’s love through the
attitude of hospitality, we can learn to demonstrate a beautiful tangible
expression of God’s desire for those we live among. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is this easy? Absolutely not! It goes against everything our nature and
our culture begs us to do. It is not easy, and that is why we must cry out to
and rely on the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. When we ask Him to guide our
lives, we must respond as we hear His voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as I end, let me challenge you with a quick little
personal exercise. Consider your life for a second. Where do you feel most
safe? Where do you feel most relaxed? Why do you feel safe and relaxed in those
places? Now take the reasons why you feel safe and relaxed in those places and
ask yourself one last question: What can I do to offer those things in my daily
life to the people I find myself with or around?<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-7686963090902200222012-09-17T10:59:00.002-07:002012-09-17T10:59:54.633-07:00Its Getting Colder… I Could Use Some Warmth… A Characteristic of Being a Hospitable Person
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Warm/ welcoming/ personable</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">– This attitude is experienced when you first meet
someone or pass someone on the street, the park, or at the grocery store. This
person is usually looking up, attentive to their surroundings, and carries with
them a smile and a sense of wanting to know you.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have all met those people who know you and possess this
innate attitude of genuine joy when you are with them. It is that person who
greets you with a smile when you show up at the party and who makes you feel
like you are the most honored guest every time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or it is that old lady who greets you in the store and
carries the persona that life is good and everything is in order and your
meeting in the cereal aisle was what the Lord had designed for the both of you
that day. You walk by with this overwhelming desire deep down in your gut to
walk by her again on the next aisle, just to feel that warmth and acceptance
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or maybe you have been that person who shows up at an event
and you are nervous and all your energy is being sucked up in trying to
suppress an anxiety attack while asking questions like: “Is this the right
place?” “Why did I come? I don’t really fit in here.” “Is there anyone here I
know?” Then in the midst of this terrible experience someone gives you the most
warm and welcoming smile from across the room and then the next thing you know
is, they are standing next to you, inviting you into the fold. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you remember the feelings and emotions you experienced
during all or any of those moments? Have you felt the relief when that crushing
desire to just run away is instantly transformed into a calmness and peace? The
anxiety falls away and a new confidence of who you are erupts out of your inner
being like a sprout of a seed breaking through the dirt and soaking up the
warmth of the sun for the first time. You go from feeling little and weak to being
strong and confident, and all this happens in the blink of an eye. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You wonder to yourself what just happened, but there is no
time to unpack it. You just move forward into relationship with this person no
matter how deep it goes or how long it lasts. You find yourself on the other
side of the coin desiring more of what that person has to offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your daily life, you will most likely cross paths with
more people you don’t know well than people who you do know well. In those
moments you have two choices. Look down and walk on by or be that person who is
remembered as “the one who brightened their day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The difference is divided in a split second. You might be
reading this and realize that you naturally are this person who brings warmth
to those around you. On the other hand, you might consider yourself shy or
introverted. You might think that this characteristic is just impossible
because of the way you are. I will say that for some people, this does come
more as a natural response, but that does not let the rest of us off the hook. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take for instance these verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the
Mount. As you read it, look for any indication that He was speaking only to
those outgoing people of our world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 5: 43-48</b>
- “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’<b> </b>and hate your
enemy.<b> </b>But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute
you! <b> </b>In that way, you will be acting as true children of your
Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and
he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.<b> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If
you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt
tax collectors do that much.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span>If
you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even
pagans do that.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></i></b>But
you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the first characteristics of loving your neighbor, or
being a hospitable person, stems from these verses and many others throughout
God’s story. It is this challenge and responsibility for us who call ourselves
Christians to love everyone. To look up and welcome others into our space and
life. It is our challenge to look up, and become someone who is welcoming,
warm, and personable. Say hello to those you don’t know as well as those you do
know. Greet all people with a genuine smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have an uncle whom I have had the opportunity to watch for
many years and I am constantly amazed at his ability to make anyone and
everyone feel completely welcomed and wanted no matter who they are or what
their background. He possesses this incredible ability to make you feel like
the party was specifically designed for you. I have seen him recognize and
welcome the most shy and fearful people into a relationship with himself that
absolutely transforms who that person is and how they view themselves. Thinking
about him as I write about hospitality, I have realized that he doesn’t do
anything special or extraordinary. He just simply lives his life with his head
up, looking for those who are on the outskirts and simply greets them with
genuine joy and invites them to be a part of whatever he is doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will talk more later about the power of the invite, but
what I want you to consider here is the idea that being warm and welcoming can
be done by anyone, anywhere. It is a simple awareness of where you are and who
is around you. Then when you see that person who is standing alone or that
person you don’t know well, make the effort to simply walk over and say hello.
There is great power in a simple hello! Then simply invite that person into
what you are doing. You don’t have to create some pristine environment or possess
a well-devised plan for this friendship. Just invite them into your space. They
may turn you down, but know this… they still experienced your warmth and
welcome and that is what you are responsible to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we learn to do this? Stand up straight and remember
how God’s grace greets us each and everyday. Remember that we were strangers to
God and yet He was willing to leave His place of comfort, joy, and peace and
come to this wretched place so that we could be welcomed into the wedding
feast. So we could enjoy the kingdom and receive an invitation to become heirs
of the King! Is there joy that empowers you to reach out because of what you
have received from Jesus? Does God’s welcome to you cause your head to lift up
and your face to smile? Where does the courage and the motivation to be
welcoming to strangers come from? When we need help, we can ask Christ. What we
have freely received from Him, we can freely give to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as you walk through your day… look up, greet those you
know, and greet those you don’t. It’s not as hard as you think, and you will be
amazed at the new insights and friends you glean along the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-17796954859729815232012-09-10T13:57:00.000-07:002012-09-10T13:57:26.130-07:00Bad News... Good News... Great News...
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Do you have someone on your block, in your neighborhood, at
your school, or in your daily life that you would consider a stranger? Of
course you do… We all do. Our lives are filled with more people we don’t know
well, than people we do know well. For most people, this makes the world a very
scary place to live. It causes us to stick to the paths we are used to, it
causes us to be friendly to those we know and walk past those we don’t, and it
develops an attitude of self-preservation and mistrust rather than an openness
to the new. This overwhelming, perpetual lifestyle of fear of the unknown
causes a few dilemmas: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">We can easily become judgmental and
hostile to anything new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It can cause us to embrace and trust only
those we know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">We tend to build walls relationally and
have unspoken rules for engaging others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">In a world full of fear and hostility, we need to work hard to
be people of peace. Our neighbors need people of peace in their lives. Our
neighborhoods need people of peace who bring a sense of safety. Your city
leaders need people advocating for peace in their cities. Your nation needs
peace desperately as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Just think… you could be that person of peace. But in order for
that to be a reality we all need to cultivate a more hospitable attitude that
is bent toward loving and welcoming the stranger into our lives, and learning
to live a life that is not ruled by fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“Hospitality is the
intangible tangible of the day. It is something you know and recognize when you
experience it, but you cannot teach it as information is taught to you in
school. It has to be learned from the inside out. Much like you cannot teach
someone how to fall in love.” – Bill Marvin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Bad News</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">: The spirit of hospitality cannot be
taught as if it were another job skill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Good News</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">: You don't need to teach it. Like the
ability to love, hospitality is an innate capability of all human beings. You
just need to understand how to create and sustain a climate where it can emerge
and blossom naturally. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(More to come on
how that climate is largely dependent of the presence of the Holy Spirit.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Great News</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">: You may already know WHAT works, but
when you really understand WHY it works, maintaining that warm feeling becomes
remarkably effortless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You can't fake love
and you can't pretend hospitality -- everyone recognizes a lack of genuine
caring. Hospitality must be from the heart or it won't have any real impact on
your guests ... and it won't last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">So, to get you thinking, let me give you a list of some of the
characteristics of a hospitable person. But let me give you a warning: these
are not just things you can become just because you decide to. Living as a
hospitable person goes against the very sin nature of human beings. The only
One who has been successful at being completely selfless and hospitable is
Christ, so keep in mind as you review the following list that it is only
through the power of His Spirit that these qualities can be realities for us. Read
through the list and identify one you have experienced recently from someone
you have crossed paths with. Then, identify one that you have practiced
recently and then, finally, choose one you think would not come naturally for
you to live out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Warm/ welcoming/ personable </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– This attitude is experienced when
you first meet someone or pass someone on the street, the park, or at the
grocery store. This person is usually looking up, attentive to their
surroundings, and carries with them a smile and a sense of wanting to know you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Safe/ relaxed – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This person is not fidgety, or
self-conscious. They are at ease with themselves and carry with them an
attitude of everything is in its place and the day going just like it should,
even if it’s not.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Interested in details/ Perceptive – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This person is also very attentive
to the surroundings, they take it to a new level and try to perceive needs of
the person with whom they are interacting. They notice not only appearances,
but also attitudes and things they say. They are listeners with the intentional
effort to learn of that person’s needs or what those needs might be. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Good listener/ non-intrusive – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This one follows closely with the
previous characteristic, but focuses more on the method of listening and not so
much the perception. A good listener knows the art of asking good questions.
Questions that help the person feel respected and important and not questions
that pry at things that would cause them shame or embarrassment. Questions that
help the listener connect their perceptions with reality so the true needs
might be met. This also helps with the feeling of being safe.</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Happy/ joyful – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This person has figured out how to
carry with them a happy, hopeful outlook on life that allows them to genuinely
smile and be joyful no matter what is happening. Now I know there are times
when there is grief and loss or terrible things that happen in life and I
believe there are times for sadness and gloom, but I am speaking here of a
consistent attitude towards the positive and being joyful. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Encouraging – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A truly peaceful, hospitable person is one who looks for the
good qualities in a person or circumstance and is able to articulate those
qualities and circumstances to a specific person in order to bring dignity,
pride, and accomplishment upon that person. This is something that goes very
tightly with the characteristic of consistency. If a person only does this only
when profitable for their own needs and satisfaction, they will quickly build
walls between themselves and those whom they are trying to encourage.
Hypocrites are sniffed out quickly. Do not try to become this type of person
overnight, it takes lots of time and practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Open-minded/ non-judgmental – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A person with this type of
characteristic can also be called a learner. They seek to know the truth and do
it without pushing their own agenda or ideas. When a person is not like this,
they are often seen as judgmental, assuming, hostile, and close-minded. This is
one of the foundational characteristics of a hospitable person in my mind. This
person seeks justice, and deeply desires for people to be heard and to feel safe
to voice their own opinions. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Confident – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This one might seem odd at first, but if one desires for others
to feel safe around them and with them, they must know themselves, possess
their own identity, and understand fully their own values and beliefs. If you
are unsure of yourself and who you are, you cannot invite strangers into your
life spheres without making them feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Confidence is
different from pride, because confidence is an acceptance of who you are and
not a platform to show yourself off or push your own agenda. This is summed up
in the understanding of where you are going in life and simply inviting others
to come along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Selfless/ Respectful – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">This one holds the hand of the
previous characteristic. If you are prideful, you are interested in getting
others to know you and your plans and agendas. A person who is selfless and
respectful is more interested in other people’s wants and needs than telling
you what they are all about and interested in. This doesn’t mean you cannot
have a conversation where both parties are sharing what they are interested in
or what they believe, but that kind of conversation must happen organically
between both parties involved and not inserted into a conversation for
conversation sake. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Giving – </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A selfless person also regards
others needs as a higher priority than their own. This often translates into
someone who is willing to sacrifice time, resources, and finances in order to
make the other tangibly taste and experience peace. This does not mean one
should be unwise and make rash decisions as to when and where their time,
resources, and finances are shared. These types of decisions must be made
wisely, but be careful not to use your own desires and wants as an excuse to
not meet the needs of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Consistent
– </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">One of the most
important characteristics of one who is a person of peace and hospitable is one
who lives out all these characteristics consistently. Consistency lets people
see and understand that this is not a show or an act, but it is something you
are. When people see that it is something that you are, it gives them hope that
they too can become that type of person. If it is simply an act of kindness
done when convenient, there is no inspiration or challenge for them to rise
above who they are at the present time. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Surprising
– </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Got you
interested didn’t I? That is exactly what this characteristic does. Hospitable
people who possess all these other characteristics are pretty far and few
between. When you are warm and welcoming and possess the ability to make people
feel relaxed. When you show them you are truly interested in them, you present
something that is surprising. Then you can surprise them even more by truly
listening to their needs and who they are and then joyfully and consistently
meeting those needs. Then when you do that with an open, non-judgmental
attitude that is selfless and respectful of who they are, you present them with
something that is fully theirs to have and enjoy. Even at this point many will
still feel like there is a hidden agenda and when they find out that you are
truly doing this out of love and completely for free… you SURPRISE them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Now take some time to identify the three different
characteristics that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked you to
identify before you started reading the list. Then, once you have identified those
three different characteristics, ask yourself the question, “Why?” Why do I
identify with those three?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Our world, nations, cities, neighborhoods, and neighbors need
people of peace. You could be the tangible change right where you are that
makes this world a more loving place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">In the coming weeks, I desire to begin unpacking what each of
these characteristics really mean and look like and how they can be lived out.
My goal is to give you some tangible practices that you can implement into your
lives to move you towards becoming a person that is truly hospitable; a peacemaker
in all aspects of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Matthew 5:9 -
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-79349482855058826482012-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:002012-05-17T21:28:14.515-07:00Song of Truth<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxP8h48CXttMvhnhQXEmAvM8Qk60rL-PV7z_OJyrX4x42QpN7i5qkozwZtUK5jduvNV-SQJAGXPdrQ4Bfj6Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Lord our God is with you. He is mighty to save. The
Lord will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will
rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago, a new friend prayed for us. He prayed that
the Lord would continue to lead us as a family, and specifically asked that God
would use our children to point us to Him. God has and continues to reveal
Himself to us through these precious gifts of Silas and Myah. They teach us so
much by their flexibility in traveling, their joy in new experiences, their
trust in the midst of ever-changing circumstances, their laughter in sheer
delight, and their love that flows in ever-sweet hugs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean, really, the last few weeks have not been “normal”
routine for two preschoolers. I’ve been rather amazed at their endurance! In
the last 44 days, we have slept in 11 different cities, driven over 4100 miles,
crossed through 11 states, visited 4 time zones, and completed more Highlights
puzzle books than should ever be allowed! You know your kids are accustomed to
road trips when your 5-year-old thinks a 3-hour car ride is a short trip! And
through all of this moving and transition and meeting new people, our kids have
continued to sing and laugh and play. So it was the other day, as we drove home
from yet another long trip, that I captured Myah singing her heart out in the
back seat. The Word of the Lord rang out clear and true. I rejoiced in the
truth that the Lord our God IS WITH US! I have needed Him to quiet me with His
love. I have doubted that He takes delight in us, and I needed to embrace that.
What a blessing that He rejoices over us with singing. I pray you hear Him
today, and listen well to what He says. He takes great delight in you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-58675017382921841192012-01-26T19:27:00.000-08:002012-01-26T19:32:26.576-08:00Welcoming Strangers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday our lives changed drastically! As you know we moved to New Orleans and we moved here so God could open doors for relationships to be built and then as those relationships mature, we would be then able to see needs and meet them. And in so doing, we would have the opportunity to share the gospel with our new friends in a tangible and practical way. In our journey here, we met a friend named Lacey (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">names have been changed for privacy</span></i>) and her two-year-old daughter Bethany, and last week we found out that she was being evicted from her apartment. She is going through a divorce and her husband was the main breadwinner, but he has not yet started paying child support. She has a job but it is not enough to cover her rent, so she is being evicted. She had nowhere to go and was days away from living in her car or under the bridge near the Superdome. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, we found out about her dilemma and our team of missionaries here got together and decided that we needed to help. We as Christians are called and commanded to show hospitality and so we as a community of believers decided to invite her to live among us here in this community. Both Jen and I are wired for and love showing hospitality and so we immediately offered our home and they moved in on Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now you have to remember we share this house already with another family of four. We have one kitchen and one laundry area and two bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms downstairs. We have only two bathrooms and a cute little nook area. Well, we now have one less nook area and one more bedroom area. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> This new bedroom area is where Lacey and Bethany are living. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We now have ten people living in our house and breakfast time is exciting as everyone dances through the kitchen and dining room getting ready for their days. This new adventure causes us to adjust our laundry schedule, our showering schedule, and limits even more our individual space to unwind and relax.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The cool thing in all this is that this is why we moved here! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We followed God’s lead here and gave up our individual idea of having our “own space” so we could invite people into our lives so they could experience God’s love and His values on a daily basis. We are so excited about this new adventure and wanted you to know about what is happening so you can pray for Lacey and Bethany. Pray for us and our missionary team as well. Pray that we will have the patience and love that is needed to love Lacey and Bethany like Jesus would. Pray specifically for Jen as she has taken on the responsibility of not just sharing her home but mentoring Lacey in parenting, eating healthy, making wise choices with her time and finances, and ultimately just believing the truth and not being defeated by her past.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I close, I want to share with you some words & Scripture that have challenged and motivated us in this mission. May they challenge you to look for ways in which you too can practice hospitality so that more people can experience Christ around the world. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jen and I are reading a book right now by Christine Pohl called <u>Making Room</u>. In the book the author makes a statement that we resonated with and thought it would be encouraging for you to hear. The statement is as follows, “Hospitality is not optional for Christians, nor is it limited to those who are specifically gifted for it. It is instead, a necessary practice in the community of faith.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, as you pray for us we wanted to share some scriptures for you to meditate on with us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Romans 12:9-13</b>, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Hebrews 12:1-3,</b> “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1 Peter 4:7-10</b>, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3 John 1:5-8</b>, “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-19286968700828323992012-01-13T19:04:00.000-08:002012-01-13T19:05:40.830-08:00Listening<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s been a quiet start to the new year in some respects. I (Jen) am writing the blog today because Dave is in silence. He’s not using the silent treatment (haha)…he is practicing an important discipline of listening intentionally to the Lord. Part of our training process here in Communitas involves a weeklong practice of silence. The goal is that we would discipline ourselves to listen to the Lord, to listen to the needs of people around us, to listen to the place in which we are. During that week, we speak as little as possible and we refrain from using our phones, email, TV, and other forms of amusement and “noise.” Sometimes in order to hear better, we have to turn off some of the things blaring in our ears. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, on January 2 of this new year, I began my week of silence. Just two days after my week had finished, Dave began his. So, as I said, it has been a quiet beginning of sorts. During my week, everyone else around me was still talking, singing, shouting and otherwise making noise. Some people asked if I just couldn’t wait to speak again. Of course, I couldn’t really answer them. The funny thing was that the not-talking part wasn’t that hard for me. I like to talk and I enjoy talking with others, but I have a natural tendency to be quiet…at least compared to the group I’m in. I think what I desire is a greater boldness to say what needs to be said when it needs to be said. I read last week in Richard Foster’s book <u>Celebration of Discipline</u> that “if we are silent when we should speak, we are not living in the Discipline of silence. If we speak when we should be silent, we again miss the mark.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While there are a number of things and ways the Lord spoke to me last week, I believe the big lesson for me is to seek diligently to listen to His Spirit. And as I listen, to obey His direction. To speak even if I don’t know how it will be received. To wait even when I want to move. To go even when it would be easier to stay. To be quiet when I would rather be entertained. To live out His desires when it doesn’t seem to “fit.” To love when it’s easier to ignore. I pray that all of us would have a greater ability to hear and know the Lord. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in the sight of our Lord.<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-40269753410644834922012-01-08T07:46:00.000-08:002012-01-08T11:01:00.492-08:00The Saints Go Marching In...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY8inYotVa-SCqCGj211ggOsJfpp49UeoaWjRWvklYi_dpz2sA6WV2gNLvZ0YykLsnrPhvm8ugBwLd-4tkcdA_8kKcqLetIlnDg7ELYPxevVF8lsYFf-s8eqWKLC0VfU57hLPpaRf8XqO/s1600/2012-01-07_20-31-39_727.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY8inYotVa-SCqCGj211ggOsJfpp49UeoaWjRWvklYi_dpz2sA6WV2gNLvZ0YykLsnrPhvm8ugBwLd-4tkcdA_8kKcqLetIlnDg7ELYPxevVF8lsYFf-s8eqWKLC0VfU57hLPpaRf8XqO/s320/2012-01-07_20-31-39_727.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695288214788984962" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We moved to New Orleans because God was calling us to live a new life on mission with people who just don't care about God or His church. So we moved into the Uptown neighborhood of NOLA and began walking the streets asking God to show us the people and places He wanted us to begin hanging out with and building relationships. On one of those walks we met a man named Robert who was hanging a huge sheet in his tree in his front yard. Silas simply said "hello" and asked him why he was doing that, and a new relationship was formed. We talked to Robert and he told us that every time the Saints had a game at night, they hung up the sheet, projected the game on it, and invited all the neighbors to watch the game in their front yard. He invited us and we immediately said we would be there. So every time there has been a night game, we have gone and participated. Last night was the first game of the NFL playoffs and the Saints and Lions were battling it out and of course there was a party at the neighbors' house. And if there was a party... guess where we were? Yep, at the corner of Nashville Avenue and Clara Street in Robert's front yard. As you can see from the picture at the top, the yard was packed with about 80 people in chairs, on porches, on the grass, or just standing and cheering. It was quite an experience to witness first hand. The people of New Orleans love to party and they love their Saints and they love their alcohol. So here we were with our kids and our chairs in the midst of 80 people who love life and love to party but don't know our Savior. Now I love football and last night was a perfect game for me since I have been a Detroit Lions fan since I was little and since I was routing for the Saints because I live in this town now. Obviously I had that motive of watching the game, but my bigger mission was being present and in proximity with those who don't know the love of Christ. Jen and I could have stayed home and watched the game online and in the safety of our own home, but we decided to go to the neighbors who were drinking and cussing so that we as a family could be on mission with people. Now I didn't pass out any tracts or find someone to walk down the Roman road with me, but I talked to people, learned their names, helped them clean up and shared our food and space with them. We built relationships and made some new friends that hopefully we will see on their porches or at the park and we will continue to share life with them and celebrate with them. Please pray that the relationships we have built will grow into relationships that will lead to conversations where we will have the opportunity to share God's love story with them. To all those who support us.... THANK YOU for making this possible. For all those who know Christ... Look for ways to meet and hang out with your neighbors. Be intentional about inviting them into a space where they feel like friends and listen to the Holy Spirit for opportunities to share Christ with them. All those who know Christ can use proximity to share the Gospel boldly!!! Love you and appreciate your prayers. </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-40386777721742472942012-01-01T13:48:00.000-08:002012-01-01T13:57:15.851-08:00Thank You for Letting God Use You<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Happy New Year!!!!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Welcome to 2012! New Year’s is always an interesting holiday for me. Growing up it was always a time to invite all our friends over to our house for a party. We would stay up late and cheer when it turned midnight. Then we would simply say good-night to people and they would all go home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>People often make a big deal about looking back and looking forward. People dissect their last year and how they have grown or failed and then decide that they will be better next year. In reality though, life is no different. People still wake up and go to school or back to work, they still eat the same breakfast, and drink the same cup of coffee. They continue to read the newspaper and download apps to their phone. All of us still eat at the same restaurants and hang out with same people. So what is the big deal about New Year’s? <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think New Year’s is a big deal for different reasons for different people. For me it isn’t really a big deal. I am not one to have some big resolution or anything, but I am one to take a moment to look back. I am a guy who is constantly looking forward to know how to be better, but I am not good at taking a moment to thank God for all the things that He has done this past year to prove to me and my family that He is still on the throne and in control.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So on New Year’s I like to take a deep breath and consider those things. I thought it would be fun for me to write them down this year so you too could be encouraged by the things our God has done. So I invite you to take me a moment to drink in God’s goodness. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>January 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I started the year healthy<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I began my last semester as a 33 year old college senior<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God took us safely to New Orleans for the first visit to Communitas (Safe but not void of a traffic ticket <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span>) God is still Just!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>February 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God began really drawing our hearts to New Orleans<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We enjoyed a real deepness and encouragement from a group of Godly people who came to our house every Tuesday to pray and eat<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We celebrated the 2<sup>nd</sup> birthday of our wonderful daughter Myah<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>March 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We celebrated Mardi Gras at our house for the first time with lots of friends<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Our discipleship groups with the youth began to experience real community and authentic discussion of how to follow Jesus<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We were able to bring the whole family to visit NOLA and God answered many prayers we were praying:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level2 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Our kids told us they wanted to live here<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level2 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave us a clear peace and calmness about moving to NOLA<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level2 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave us favor as we began telling our pastor and close friends about our new plans<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level2 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-list:Ignore">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We received a new desire and passion to live among and love lost people<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I was pulled over again on this trip but saw God’s grace as we did not get a ticket<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>April 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave me the opportunity to teach in the schools and was able to share with them my passion for Christ<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God allowed us to have peace in the ending of the discipleship groups we had started three years before<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I GRADUATED!!!!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave us peace and boldness as we, as a family, stood in front of our wonderful church family and through tears told them that we would be leaving in July<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I was able to watch many dear youth graduate and begin their transition to college and a new chapter in their lives<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had a positive affirming visit from Chad, a member of the team we would be joining in the Fall<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>June 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God began giving us our first supporters and prayer warriors for our new adventure of being missionaries<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God opened many doors to have very intentional conversations with many youth who were struggling through the idea that we would no longer be there to lead them on the journey of faith<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>July 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God used 55 youth and adults from Campbellsville Baptist Church to minister and learn from Grace Centers of Hope as we together loved and served the homeless in Detroit, MI<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God allowed me to finish well as the youth pastor and allowed us to have some very precious final days in Campbellsville with all the people we love and miss so much<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We were able to move out of our lovely little home with lots of friends helping and making lunch<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave us an overwhelmingly awesome final day in C-ville as youth and friends and families spent time sitting on our empty living room floor encouraging us and praying for and with us as we began our new adventure<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>August 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo8"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God gave us the most amazing time with my family in California as we stayed with them for almost 5 weeks<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo8"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God answered our begging and pleading for support as we started our first 2 weeks at 2% funded and that changed over night to 14%<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo8"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God allowed us to have some God ordered meetings with countless people who we have known in the past. And as they prepared meals for us and listened as we told them about our new adventure, God gave us favor as we saw our support go from 14% to 22% funded<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>September 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We loaded our U-Haul truck and were able to fit everything in<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had traveling mercies and were able to land in NOLA safely and easily<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We saw God work in allowing our kids to fit in and transition quickly and easily<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We were able to be a part of a beautiful wedding of two of our new community members - Beth and Taylor<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God quickly opened doors for us to build relationships with the neighbors on our street and neighborhood<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I had the blessing of finding a job right away doing construction<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>October 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God continued to open doors with people who had decided to support us financially as we found ourselves at 40% funded<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had the joy of visitors from Kentucky! Yep Jen’s parents and a nephew came to stay for a long weekend and to encourage us <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We continued to meet new people in our neighborhood like Steve at Midway Pizza and Warren and Laurie at Village Coffee and Tea<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We also saw individuals and Sunday School classes from Campbellsville Baptist Church sponsor us every month for the next year to go to Midway and Village Coffee and Tea so we could continue to build relationships and be around those who are lost<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>November 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo11"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We continued to enjoy God’s blessings of His people supporting us as we found ourselves at 43% funded<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo11"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had the opportunity to meet and have some really great spiritual conversations with a guy named Nick and met some new neighbors on our street<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo11"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had the opportunity to dress up once again like pilgrims and share the Thanksgiving meal with close to forty neighbors, friends, and team members<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>December 2011<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo12"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Again we experienced unending joy as we saw new supporters join our team and we found ourselves 48% funded for the year<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo12"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We had the opportunity to spend Christmas with my mom and dad who came to visit for 9 days <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo12"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We also were blessed and encouraged by a group of friends who came to visit us for three days from Kentucky. Their presence reminded us how much we miss Campbellsville and also how much we are more than friends, we are family. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo12"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We have been reminded of God’s grace and how important the fellowship of believers really is<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So here we are… it’s 2012 and time to get back to the rhythms of life of going back to waking up and going to work, but in the midst of all that, I will do it with confidence that the Lord is still good and wants the best for us. If the New Year begins, I know one thing for sure…. If God is as good to us as He was last year, we have a lot to look forward to. We pray God blesses you as you continue to love and follow Him this next year. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank you to all who have given of your time and finances to make this past year a true testimony to how great God is. We love and miss all of you greatly. Continue to pray for us and plead with God that we may share Christ’s love with all who we encounter. <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-26220871355165419262011-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:002011-12-17T09:26:50.708-08:00It's Amazing What You See<div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+4:18&version=NLT" style="text-decoration: none; ">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></strong><br />So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will last forever.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1:7&version=NLT" style="text-decoration: none; ">Revelation 1:7</a></strong><br />Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24:39&version=NLT" style="text-decoration: none; ">Luke 24:39</a></strong><br />Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.”</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+8:33&version=NLT" style="text-decoration: none; ">Mark 8:33</a></strong><br />Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the other day I decided to get up really early (5:15am) and get dressed and take the first bus into downtown. I wanted to see what the attitudes were of those on the bus on their way to work. I was pleasantly surprised at the gratitude and joy that was present. Next week I plan to tell you more about that, but this week I want to share something else.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a Friday and I was simply taking some time to be by myself and decided to walk around downtown with a specific mission. I was looking for something. See, I think it is always amazing what you see when you are looking for it. So instead of just walking around town, I wanted to look for something specifically and I chose to look for empty chairs. That's right, empty chairs. "Why empty chairs?" you ask. Well, because empty chairs are often discarded and set off the beaten path. I took pictures of all kinds of chairs. They were all different, and were all in different stages of their lives. Some were new looking and others rusty and broken. Some were dirty from lack of use and others were clearly used and cleaned daily. It actually reminded me of people in life. We were all created for the same purpose, and all of us, on our journey, have been treated differently and are at different stages in our lives, but still possess the same purpose.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I took pictures and allowed my random thoughts to marinate on this analogy, I began to get excited about this city. My mind began to race, and this desire to help the people of this city rediscover their purpose became like a raging fire. I wanted to find people that had been broken and tossed to the side and help restore them so they could once again do what they were created for.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The verses I put at the top help us remember to see the right things. It is so easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life on the busy streets and walk right past those that are discarded and broken. This begins by fixing our gaze on the things of Heaven and then looking for what our Heavenly Father wants us to see.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pray for us as we are here in New Orleans and are trying to fix our gaze on Christ and trying to be open to seeing what God wants us to be doing here. Take some time in the next week or two and just walk around your town and take pictures of one thing and see how many of that thing you see. Remember, it is amazing the things you see when you are looking for them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy some of my pictures of the chairs I found.</span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fB5gSHdgku4qhpyo1sYhETAOfubf9IUb5aDVhmT8rjH1GbIzFWmtYZxVUHYrL0dLgtnQBTI6_PYznhtRgjsVNZsOQpHKzrIM_ajBmzZKMmSqzIhhEBF1eBzDnCNxbTdYCbF3spUDWygZ/s320/2011-12-02_07-23-52_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687145078445666866" /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn8XwXg96R59H-3LboNVwc9SPKEqTuQmM9cxRYA-yFfEljHLBgpdlSdyMIxfJqvGgvm8AHQtKE3j49Ka2EqNb7U5os59pLFydtUuRTTCMKb_ziokYdE29t7BuMRciYJ7BTcvOBtYTGDE0/s1600/2011-12-02_06-03-27_565.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn8XwXg96R59H-3LboNVwc9SPKEqTuQmM9cxRYA-yFfEljHLBgpdlSdyMIxfJqvGgvm8AHQtKE3j49Ka2EqNb7U5os59pLFydtUuRTTCMKb_ziokYdE29t7BuMRciYJ7BTcvOBtYTGDE0/s320/2011-12-02_06-03-27_565.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687145070848094082" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFZSh_MLtE7cIzem_lfKcWiogFE5akbjXefvga5nyVA9S2FvT3jXePPcZSYTU57q55jnzJKFbyllwvNOT0jnpJs9eDgyHbWLsrFi58IyKiTzkmrTGVKKpx88R8pc0wU_nBz6b7rNmJUPs/s1600/2011-12-02_07-24-26_85.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFZSh_MLtE7cIzem_lfKcWiogFE5akbjXefvga5nyVA9S2FvT3jXePPcZSYTU57q55jnzJKFbyllwvNOT0jnpJs9eDgyHbWLsrFi58IyKiTzkmrTGVKKpx88R8pc0wU_nBz6b7rNmJUPs/s320/2011-12-02_07-24-26_85.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687145069297055906" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIb4x0g8E1e3ANbtdF_iJffgU62WldfWfYhE6848X2Anrc11hHiomEBmOdOzVVho-tofXoXxmrJ8OD3HyQ-g6hXTqq41eq7Lz5u5ldDx-M6K59kUluSNPi7h9QIZFle_iSKdtzCcHW_IQ/s1600/2011-12-02_08-53-33_973.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIb4x0g8E1e3ANbtdF_iJffgU62WldfWfYhE6848X2Anrc11hHiomEBmOdOzVVho-tofXoXxmrJ8OD3HyQ-g6hXTqq41eq7Lz5u5ldDx-M6K59kUluSNPi7h9QIZFle_iSKdtzCcHW_IQ/s320/2011-12-02_08-53-33_973.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687145069090673618" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9v7gsuS38a92SeRvOsgeL-ulq-JgfSEmoTmAs0qFQ9wgNaqJixeTrRTcrcx4i6B2XXxzApD5mpqjYH2awgp4vzPI_PF_b2_Kza2ZFlWhq3n7O39fqBhFvZr16nnoaX-H_dZ3Gxn_-ILR/s1600/2011-12-02_11-13-56_157.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9v7gsuS38a92SeRvOsgeL-ulq-JgfSEmoTmAs0qFQ9wgNaqJixeTrRTcrcx4i6B2XXxzApD5mpqjYH2awgp4vzPI_PF_b2_Kza2ZFlWhq3n7O39fqBhFvZr16nnoaX-H_dZ3Gxn_-ILR/s320/2011-12-02_11-13-56_157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687145062922165794" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div></div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-10401432219396079682011-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:002011-11-19T14:08:11.801-08:00The Giver of All Good Things<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">God’s economy is so different from ours—so upside down. Somehow in the giving away of our lives, we find real life. Somehow in looking out for the interests of others, we find our own needs met. It doesn’t make sense in theory, but in practice it is absolutely remarkable. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dave shared with me the other day that he felt God was prompting him to give some money to help out a friend we’ve gotten to know here in New Orleans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I asked how much, he didn’t respond right away. It took a few days, but finally Dave told me an amount. It was a sizeable amount, so he asked me if I thought that was okay. I’ve seen God use Dave’s generosity before and so I encouraged him by saying that if that’s what he felt we should give, then we should give it! So, I went to the bank last Tuesday to withdraw the money, put it in an envelope and passed it to our team leader who gave it to our friend anonymously. It was sweet to hear the response of our friend via our team leader because it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">exactly</i> the amount he needed.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Two days later, we received in the mail two separate checks from friends back in Kentucky. One check was for the exact amount that we had given to our friend. The check was dated the same day Dave had told me the amount he wanted to give. The second check was from someone who already supports us monthly. She had included a note with her support saying she had received some extra blessings this month from others because of her service and generosity to them. She wanted to pass on the extra to us. So, not only did God provide the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">exact</i> amount for what our friend needed, he gave us more! And we didn’t even know we had that much to give! Sure, God could have just dropped that money into our friend’s lap. Sure, we could just all take care of our own needs and just worry about covering ourselves. But what happens when we trust the Lord and following His promptings to give? We see a more accurate picture of Who really is the Provider! We see God at work in the lives of so many different people. We see His amazing ability to coordinate the hearts of His children. We see His care and love for us and for those who don’t know Him yet. Yes, the giving and sharing and obeying the Lord results in thanksgiving to Him—the One from whom all good things come anyway!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This passage is talking about you, my brothers and sisters, and your generosity and obedience that have blessed us in so many ways. But ultimately, it is speaking of Christ, for our grateful hearts turn to him and overflow in thanksgiving for who He is and for all the ways He has turned our lives upside down!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-16370854766582215182011-10-16T14:56:00.001-07:002011-10-16T15:34:50.943-07:00The sunrise on the darkest night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIE6NZ4Z58nZig1k7lzTjoJv_jRId2B_uD7fm56AFm6WlsP7CfGFW60W92Om2BWz8IYHKQXbhIrHu2vU9Jowys5DJEdjHnMuakTTl3-jzkfXbySOFVm13hErz6Mycul25eY_xfj-MhQfV/s1600/sunrise.aspx.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIE6NZ4Z58nZig1k7lzTjoJv_jRId2B_uD7fm56AFm6WlsP7CfGFW60W92Om2BWz8IYHKQXbhIrHu2vU9Jowys5DJEdjHnMuakTTl3-jzkfXbySOFVm13hErz6Mycul25eY_xfj-MhQfV/s320/sunrise.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664213717364984114" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;">Do you ever have one of those days when you just don't hit on all cylinders? You know those days when things are just not going right no matter what you try? You try hard to pull yourself together and try to have a great attitude, but it just doesn't work? Well, last Thursday was one of those days for me and I was just not up to par. I wasn't sick, I was just filled with an assortment of emotions that left me feeling discouraged in my spirit. Mainly self-pity stuff. You know, those arguments you have with yourself and God that usually go round and round about how you think your plans are better than God's plan for your life? It's a lot like the conversations that the Israelites had with God in the wilderness after Egypt. They would be happy about being free one minute and then be complaining about not having meat to eat the next. Well, that’s what was happening for me and I was rolling around and wrestling with God about bringing us down here to New Orleans.</span><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">On my way home from work that day I cried out to God for some sort of encouragement for my spirit. Then when I arrived home I went in took a shower and did my daily check of my email and there in my inbox were two emails from godly friends in Kentucky. The emails were both very similar. They both basically said that they were praying for me today and that they felt God telling them to send a note of encouragement and on top of that, both of them had decided to begin supporting us financially! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I don’t know if you have ever been really discouraged and received a note from a friend far away, but it is so refreshing. It is like seeing the sunrise on the darkest night. It was an answer to prayer--a perfect ending to a terrible day. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to receive something when you are down. The emails weren’t very long, but they were just what my spirit needed. Then this morning during our time in God’s word as a community we read these verses from 2 Corinthians 9,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span>“</span><b><i>6</i></b><i> Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. <b>7</b> You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” <b>8</b> And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. <b>9</b> As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” <b>10</b> For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. <b>11</b> Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. <b>12</b> So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. <b>13</b> As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. <b>14</b> And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. <b>15</b> Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!</i> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">You never know when what you write may be the sunrise on someone’s darkest night.When we are following God and aware of His presence in our lives, we have the opportunity to either bless others or be blessed by them. I came away from this week here on the mission field ready to love people more and to listen to His still small voice when He prompts me to contact or encourage or give to someone in need. May we all walk daily in the presence of God so we can be the sunrise in someone’s darkest night.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-2259062967826110802011-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:002011-09-24T08:42:51.896-07:00Getting There<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM71pkAVhxY4myykoWuYhdSag0zFwdji4Zd-t0xqDio_0MmXcpIdI1Wcp42ZW7eG7ZL1fUCTs74C5Jd4lOLT7AijC5CNo8EFv5DKxcb04-YlGw0We9D9-Jm5dT5m4YAJAoEQz9Q9EEdaIh/s320/DSCN0124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655950730584157202" /><div><p class="MsoNormal">The West Bank. Algiers. The French “Qwahtah.” The CBD. St. Charles. Freret. Uptown. It’s hard to believe that just two and half weeks ago those words were just a string of syllables attached to New Orleans. Now they hold meaning and memories and faces…and direction! Now those words conjure up thoughts about the DMV and how complicated it can be to change your driver’s license; about tiny cupcake stores in the midst of the inner city (thank you Sarah Collie); about bachelorette parties where friends care about each other; about local art and funny smells; about street cars and homeless people; about new businesses trying to make it and their owners who you know by name; about playgrounds and grocery stores and puddles knee-deep.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD6cXu4OcyXQdU5Ezn4KhhD-7Shno99h1EZ7VsdQ3wb0xw9Xr2JwZOd_50oayRx9lEiA7xlkwoO0E9UU14w3VXJaOgcTieY08azKB6CCKZFYJjtxn2L7-ODzjLVzVHYnKsLXREhbVmB6f/s320/DSCN0165.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655950741797441634" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div>Part of immersing in a culture requires that we understand the place where we live and how to get around. We all do that in our own ways. Dave loves riding his bike a different route every other day and learning how everything connects. Others of us (like myself) prefer driving with someone in the passenger’s seat who knows the way, at least the first couple of times. And right alongside us, our kiddos are figuring out this place too. Silas has different “signs” that tell us we are almost home—like the clump of short palm trees about 2 blocks from our house. Even Myah knows the name of the street where the street cars run, St. Charles which sounds more like “Saint Chawuls” when she says it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwVqjKWvkYNwz59W3hqLw4dFXLkUtnTuX2TBL9n5ILt3tBmGJrobv5AFfvonoa9Oqbpt6i6EjHF2Nj6do0RnTFCr6chyhITHZnTF7KCQWs3nEbqduFifkTOQ_iph6JcM_BGcjCE2hsLs7/s1600/DSCN0123.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwVqjKWvkYNwz59W3hqLw4dFXLkUtnTuX2TBL9n5ILt3tBmGJrobv5AFfvonoa9Oqbpt6i6EjHF2Nj6do0RnTFCr6chyhITHZnTF7KCQWs3nEbqduFifkTOQ_iph6JcM_BGcjCE2hsLs7/s320/DSCN0123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655950735382165474" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; ">A couple of days ago, I took the kids out to run some errands with me. I was feeling decently confident about getting around and was narrating our progress to the kids. “Well, we’ve been to the post office and to the bank and now we’re on our way to the grocery store,” I announced. From the back seat, Silas pipes up, “And all that without Dad. Good job, Mom!” Well, I guess it’s no secret who is better at directions in this family!! Nonetheless, we are all navigating the streets of this new culture with excitement and joy. My prayer is that as we discover the culture, our love for the people deepens. May our understanding of the love of Christ for us compel us to meet the needs around us. May you be blessed as you drive or walk or bike the road you are on—familiar or not. The Lord is with you and with us. He guides our way, even if we don’t know the way yet.</span></div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-33793342089015593252011-09-10T12:40:00.001-07:002011-09-10T15:18:02.261-07:00The Tree of Life<div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa6O1ZVZLI-2iibNVF2rKo5EUzG-RZMBTtxxjINXR_bw3W0lO-R9roqUDiTTJVtVwruR0oiwEYQkCrZyIoZOFlVH0KRw7rhV_4Xeeght4YKGIWj7x4cKg0hQ49mlEHXnQwT38TgulIr4x/s320/silastree.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650818243899626066" />This morning we had the joyous privilege of participating in the wedding ceremony of Beth and Taylor, two single adults who are a part of our team here in NOLA. It was a beautiful day and an awesome wedding. The ceremony took place under this tree in a big Park here in New Orleans. The tree was called "The Tree of Life" and it was magnificent!!! It was probably 16-20 ft. in diameter and its huge branches reached down to the ground and was actually sprouting new trees. It is one of the coolest trees I have ever seen. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the wedding Silas decided to climb the tree... well one of the branches anyway. You can see his face on the left there. He was so confident when he started. He had seen some of the other boys climbing it and wanted to do it as well, but when he got to be about 5-6' off the ground he began to freeze up and say he couldn't go any further. It wasn't until I took his hand and gave him some encouraging words that he was able to go past this point in climbing this awesome tree! Look at what Ephesians says in Chapter 3:16-19 -</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff9900;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff9900;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29268" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">16</sup> I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29269" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">17</sup> so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29270" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">18</sup> <b>may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people</b>, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29271" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">19</sup>and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, the last couple of months have been really exciting for us, but they have also been really scary for us. We have seen and talked to so many people that have left all the security of life to go to a place that God was calling them. We have seen God do amazing things in their lives, and like Silas seeing the other boys climb, we wanted to follow God where He was leading us. We got really excited, packed up our house, and quit our jobs and began the trek to New Orleans. Once we got into it though, I personally lived with a lot of fear. I had thoughts like: "What have I done to my family?" "What if it doesn't work out?" "What if people don't get the vision and support us?" "What if God wasn't talking, and it was just me?" It wasn't until people like you began giving us your hand so to speak, that we began having real confidence in what God was calling us to do. We have had people come alongside us and give us encouraging words, financial support, notes of gratitude and thanks, we have received phone calls (which I like a lot), and we have been prayed for by so many people. </div><div><br /></div><div>This wedding today was such a beautiful picture of this for me as well. Here are two people totally sure they want to be together and they have seen other marriages work and they want that too. On the flip side though, we were there because we know that there will not only be smiles and joy in that marriage. There will be heartbreak and sadness. There will be misunderstandings and hard times. Those of us who came to witness the ceremony were also there to say, "Take my hand, we want to walk this journey with you. We want to encourage and help you on this new adventure."</div><div> </div><div>So here we are in New Orleans. We have been here a week and the thing that I have thought about the most was not unpacking boxes, or figuring out where the store is so we can eat, although those are important things. The thing I thought about the most was how confident I was in the Lord because there are so many people who are holding our hands and praying for us and routing for us as we step out on faith on this new adventure. So I would like to say a big THANK YOU friends, family, prayer warriors, financial supporters, for being that hand that has given us the reassurance that the climb may be scary, but we won't fall and we won't be alone. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I end this short epistle of gratitude, there are two people that I really want to say thank you to. They have sacrificed their space, their food, their time, and their lives to make our first month of this journey a success and a beautiful launching pad for the coming months and years. Thanks, Mom and Dad Collie, for all the little things you did and sacrificed for us to be in this place now. We love you and are proud to call you not only family, but friends!!! Thanks for holding our hand and giving us confidence in the Lord God Almighty!!! Cheers!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ5t8a0FdgBOybNoVYmZxHFPbpVvC6ALEbFqeUM5yLo8kyJ4AtJsuf7Hqx5KgHb_6vBomhhhZWJx9Ty5z1Gz8Z_CEKAknnNPyOnIXNd438z6NHDUGA_sYyUs_IMwKztGItgXe0j8mQrLF/s320/colliegoodbye.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650818248529959058" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-70100284925945943632011-09-05T17:06:00.001-07:002011-09-05T17:48:07.857-07:00NOLA - Home Sweet Home!!!<div>Well, here we are!! Look at the Collies sitting on their front steps in New Orleans!!! Three and a half days ago we pulled up in front of 2601 Octavia Street New Orleans, La. 70115. Within a few hours of arriving our new team of friends helped us unload our moving truck. By dinner time we and our new friends were eating and laughing in our new living room on our couches!!! That night, each one of the Collies fell asleep in their very own beds with their own pillows for the first time in six weeks. It was GLORIOUS!! Praise God for the journey, the safety, and the fellowship we enjoyed during the past six weeks. We would like to give a great big shout out and thanks to Buck and Sue Collie for making our California trip absolutely FANTABULOUS!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL9iRRwjyUpCjOFPDR4brhN5MPSJYezJWFKnODDxFy4yiViLqvhzMrmU9YIWvkJbedwkhRh3oVTD_Px4MbSxdLGNufIzKvC1G-HWciIP9NsKR6ZnmXyhnJkd-96bBYvV6IepT9lTAWnLX/s1600/F.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL9iRRwjyUpCjOFPDR4brhN5MPSJYezJWFKnODDxFy4yiViLqvhzMrmU9YIWvkJbedwkhRh3oVTD_Px4MbSxdLGNufIzKvC1G-HWciIP9NsKR6ZnmXyhnJkd-96bBYvV6IepT9lTAWnLX/s320/F.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649033455223574162" /></a><br /><div>We would also like to say thanks to The Weston Family in Jackson, Mississippi, for a great night on the town, delicious dinner, and their encouraging words!!!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwFuXMOjrZYdezbUt77L28LsAlX4JOBReKzIYMB8o0I3TB5YhULYP_6A6tmPnwrYg_m4zgR6xkslOcsYxG2XzyGj3vetuPKF5TYq8fvU-z5iN8cUB1XL1KrlmnQTblUDZiP_qfJF2QsKB/s1600/E.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwFuXMOjrZYdezbUt77L28LsAlX4JOBReKzIYMB8o0I3TB5YhULYP_6A6tmPnwrYg_m4zgR6xkslOcsYxG2XzyGj3vetuPKF5TYq8fvU-z5iN8cUB1XL1KrlmnQTblUDZiP_qfJF2QsKB/s320/E.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649033165696714018" /></a>Thanks also to The Clark Family in Jackson, Tennessee, that we had the privilege to spend time with and relive the old times, pray for each other, and make new memories as we were the first to wish Dave Clark a Happy Birthday since we were still up chatting it up after midnight.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8xPmt5Pyh7TdTVezmH7Ckbxb-P0WYHQRgRcNe3PTDZRTwO2LMbZ1qYY0orFTWNED38N3lPWfkc5UQCff-0BM4aALVMsBXqF-o9HIOZQ3TvrhORhrWU3ud9Zd3AacC5wDGRrMiMX2QD_f/s1600/D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8xPmt5Pyh7TdTVezmH7Ckbxb-P0WYHQRgRcNe3PTDZRTwO2LMbZ1qYY0orFTWNED38N3lPWfkc5UQCff-0BM4aALVMsBXqF-o9HIOZQ3TvrhORhrWU3ud9Zd3AacC5wDGRrMiMX2QD_f/s320/D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649033158400997426" /></a><br /></div><div>Look at this cute picture here. These people we will miss greatly. Family is a wonderful thing, especially when that family loves God, loves each other, and is willing as a family to sacrifice so others can be introduced to the grace God offers to all. We had such a wonderful time spending the night and morning with such awesome loving people. Thanks Larry and Rita, Michelle and boys, and Trent and Sarah!! Our last night in Campbellsville, Kentucky, was amazing!!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0Xl8hRd7vqWlySwvEQRndh_lqu0JQEevpLe_ONoC2fq6WyJzYgaCseEPr_zxHN9ryiybOtKvIlTMYVCmJS4oJBlEUCOCSCs8LQwqS9112gK0N1C6UfsIUNbw8rZ8wnGDtkg94ClSSCDz/s1600/C.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0Xl8hRd7vqWlySwvEQRndh_lqu0JQEevpLe_ONoC2fq6WyJzYgaCseEPr_zxHN9ryiybOtKvIlTMYVCmJS4oJBlEUCOCSCs8LQwqS9112gK0N1C6UfsIUNbw8rZ8wnGDtkg94ClSSCDz/s320/C.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649033152858984306" /></a><br /></div><div>As I mentioned before, California was superb. This wonderful family made it possible to get to the airport on time without having to get up before God on Tuesday morning. We couldn't have asked for a better last night in California. From the time relaxing in the pool, to the fantastic food for dinner, the wonderful company, and a great game of Settlers of Catan. Thanks Darryl and Tania and boys, for allowing your home and lives to be used to bless so many with your love and hospitality. Pleasanton, California, is a better place because you live there. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hj3PIJYHeN1XxVQDRBzu7CJeX-c4ZXuHg82CWcxNP-BcRTj691SpkdCop1k1cZC3tq2t_TWMx5iRrhplSWIFbQXlripoByrmBXl5Jh_q4VrlMrdeWjexGxqN0cfTbm6NjRit2PMdjnYv/s1600/A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hj3PIJYHeN1XxVQDRBzu7CJeX-c4ZXuHg82CWcxNP-BcRTj691SpkdCop1k1cZC3tq2t_TWMx5iRrhplSWIFbQXlripoByrmBXl5Jh_q4VrlMrdeWjexGxqN0cfTbm6NjRit2PMdjnYv/s320/A.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649033144441406562" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So as I close, I say thank you, God, for getting us here safely. We look forward to what God will do with us as His tools. We say thanks for all those who have made the journey to this point possible. From your support financially, to your wonderful hospitality and meals, your prayers and texts. We love each one of you who are behind us on this new ADVENTURE!! </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">COME ON ADVENTURE.... WE'RE READY!!!! </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-92004831317964126312011-08-28T07:54:00.000-07:002011-08-28T10:10:36.861-07:00The Hike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvfW9PK6jrFWi7K6MwzUthZDgvvqNrjwCmJoPXD3xeQBXTdfo7C5tsz5y6tsX-5ttY8DWKl8lNCmImmWOxfw_TxGWJUOdhdI5HeEXbFmr5rZU6U0WMmOSO7pkHXHdtN0R1tC1xKAQJ8n-/s1600/threesome.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvfW9PK6jrFWi7K6MwzUthZDgvvqNrjwCmJoPXD3xeQBXTdfo7C5tsz5y6tsX-5ttY8DWKl8lNCmImmWOxfw_TxGWJUOdhdI5HeEXbFmr5rZU6U0WMmOSO7pkHXHdtN0R1tC1xKAQJ8n-/s320/threesome.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645933064082321922" /></a>
<br />Well, hello!!! It has been two weeks since we have updated this and I think it is time to let you know how things are going and where the Collies are at. I (Dave) have officially turned 34 since I wrote last and on my birthday, my wife planned the best day ever!!! She set up a whole day for us to go hiking with Thomas Atkins!!! Thomas is the one you probably don't recognize in the picture above. <div>
<br /></div><div>I just want everyone to know, I absolutely LOVE hiking!!! Hiking is one of those things that takes lots of effort and is always more fun with other people. You get to see things that few people ever get to see for themselves and you often get the chance to experience dirt in places you never thought possible. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The hike we went on was called St. Mary's Pass. The views were spectacular and the things we saw I will never forget. The hike was intense and physically taxing. Actually it was one of the harder hikes I have ever been on, but at the same time it was one of the most rewarding. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I think this trip to California has a lot of similarities to my birthday hike. I want everyone to know, I absolutely LOVE California!!! This last month of being here has taken an extra dose of effort to plan meetings, help the kids adjust to a different environment and schedule, and living out of suitcases. At the same time though, we were able to live and spend time with lots of people. It has been such a joy to be with Nana and Grandpa. They are the BEST!!!! We have had such a great time living, eating, and just being with them and this time will never be forgotten. During our time here in Cali, we have had the opportunity to see things things that not everyone gets to see for themselves. Things like the sunset on the Pacific Ocean, California Costal Redwoods, bear poop, mountain streams, and high altitude wild flowers. One of my favorite things about hiking is the people you go with and for me that has been one of my favorite things about this trip. Not only did we get to see Nana and Grandpa, but we got to see countless other family members and long lost friends. We got a chance to share meals, swap stories, and encourage each other in life. The conversations shared were so great and uplifting and we will never forget this month in California.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now as we think about our next adventure we are excited to see things that many people never get to see or experience and we are SO excited about going on this new adventure with some new friends. In less than a week we will be in New Orleans. Actually the next time we write on this blog, we will be in our new home. Pray for us as we prepare to leave. Pray that our final days will be glorious and fun. Pray we will be able to fly home and pack up with no glitches. Pray that we will have safe travels as we drive our family and all our earthly possessions into the swamps. Pray our kids are able transition into this new life quickly and easily. Pray we will be a blessing to those we meet and live life with in New Orleans. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thanks, friends, for joining us on this journey. Thanks for your support and prayers. We are grateful for every single one of our dear friends and family. See you on the flip side!!! </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-66732327827658911762011-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:43:13.567-07:00There Are Greater Things Yet to Be Done in This City<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jfpf8AE6YwmNHNFlG4FWSGq1VstwIErq8JDWOr49gM7pu8upDskqJievYPjVVPBz6fb4G3fU6DGkK1uR-dLi8NO5DbKEwJJ48IdINljvViD3yAeABLjavjqeJsMkHgiVr7ApykQZuIAh/s1600/Collie-14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jfpf8AE6YwmNHNFlG4FWSGq1VstwIErq8JDWOr49gM7pu8upDskqJievYPjVVPBz6fb4G3fU6DGkK1uR-dLi8NO5DbKEwJJ48IdINljvViD3yAeABLjavjqeJsMkHgiVr7ApykQZuIAh/s320/Collie-14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637968768950382498" /></a>
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I sit looking out over the beautiful yet simple skyline of Sonora, California. My window is open as the sun says it’s good-night and the breeze floats in gently. I can see a spire glowing somewhere downtown and the needlepoints of tall evergreens against the almost navy sky now. A motorcycle rumbles into the neighbor’s driveway next door, but it’s a relatively quiet night in this cozy little place. It reminds me of home back in Campbellsville a little…except for the blessed absence of humidity! And for a moment, I wonder why can’t this be home? Why does my heart feel so at ease here? Why are we moving to New Orleans? <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“Because that’s where I’m sending you,</i>” comes the reply.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But why, Lord, are you sending us there? And then, I begin to see past the tucked in town out my window. People begin to trek across my mind. Even in this quiet, comforting place, there lives the family who seems so put-together but are contemplating divorce, the single guy who struggles with the depression, the recovering addict trying to stay clean, the alcoholic who sees no hope. Even in Sonora, there are greater things yet to be done. Just as in New Orleans. Lord, help my heart long for the people to know and taste that You are good. That You give peace. That You are their Light in the darkness. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Your home is with Me, Child.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yes, yes, I know, Jesus. Help me to remember. No matter where I am or what I am doing, my home is with You. My heart belongs to You. And that’s why you send us. So that others can come home, too. <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-58750879796929018072011-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:002011-08-01T14:11:21.137-07:00Joy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X8AG-Hkwr9MHPyv-59vcl0TrBrd0tTWFrwZdHeEBsw4i7GYnzLwPBfP7CKOpPSXJ8Mxg29NxhKJf0UID4iJ2no5wInpYR2SSgxDdB-gn5n6APVb3DHyRiQjU93eZojlA5AUCP4xpStxm/s1600/Claude%2526dave.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X8AG-Hkwr9MHPyv-59vcl0TrBrd0tTWFrwZdHeEBsw4i7GYnzLwPBfP7CKOpPSXJ8Mxg29NxhKJf0UID4iJ2no5wInpYR2SSgxDdB-gn5n6APVb3DHyRiQjU93eZojlA5AUCP4xpStxm/s320/Claude%2526dave.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635976832153799314" /></a><br />Phil. 4:1 - "My Dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and crown I receive for my work."<div><br /></div><div>This past Sunday we visited the church we attended when we lived in California and we got to reconnect with old friends and we heard a wonderful challenge from Pastor Mark. They have been going through the book of Philippians and focusing on joy and how to experience joy in your life as a Christian. The main point of the sermon was stated like this: The quality of our relationships determines the quantity of our joy. How true that is. Pastor Mark asked two questions as he ended his sermon. The first was, "Who is your Paul?" which means, who is it that is mentoring you, challenging you, and causing you to grow as a Christian. The second was, "Who is your Timothy?" which means, who is the person you are mentoring, challenging, and causing to grow in Christ. I immediately thought of those who I have had the privilege to work with over the past few years and how my relationships with them have brought me so much joy. :) I also immediately thought of a godly man who has meant so much to me in my relationship with Christ and my journey of growth with God and others. He is pictured above. His name is Pastor Claude Short. He was my pastor from the time I was about 11 to age 18 and his influence cemented many truths about Christ, the church, and following God. We were able to eat dinner with Pastor Claude and his wife and daughter last Saturday. Eating with them was such a joyful thing for all. Not only was it joyful to him to see people he has loved and mentored following Christ, but it was a joy for me to see him still following and loving God after all these years. Pastor Claude was the one who baptized me when I was 14 and I was able to not only tell Silas about that, but show him the pool where I was baptized. We took the picture above last weekend. It is such a perfect example of joy. I am standing with my mentor and pastor by the pool I was baptized in. I am standing there with my son who I am discipling and training to follow God. And I also have Silas holding little Dave. Little Dave is a knitted doll I received from a eleven year old girl in KY as we were getting ready to leave. She said she made it as a thank you for all Jen and I had done for her and her family. </div><div><br /></div><div>The quality of our relationships determines the quantity of our joy. Let me challenge you as I did in the last entry... Invest in people. Love people genuinely. Be willing to take the time to not just be their friend but speak truth boldly and disciple them. Find someone who you trust and let them speak into you. Then make sure you find someone and speak into them. When you do this, you will experience the joy Christ has desired for you to have. </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-64209111885277968202011-07-26T22:10:00.000-07:002011-07-26T22:14:35.400-07:00Ordinary People<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> 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mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">So here I am on a plane… the house is packed into a storage unit… new people are living in our house… we have said more good byes than I would like to endure again… and the adventure is underway! Thank you for your prayers and support! Thank you for encouraging us to follow God! The Collies are excited about what God has in store for our lives tomorrow and also stoked to see what God has in store for your life as well. I was reminded of a simple truth about following God this week and I would like to take a moment to remind you as well.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It was Sunday night and we were frantically trying to pack the final details of our home and also attempting to clean behind all the things we never clean behind… aka, the oven, fridge, dryer, etc., when I heard a knock on the back door. Most people knock on our front door or just come in, but not Jeremy. I opened the door and there he was, Jeremy in all of his splendor. He was dressed in basketball shorts and a tank top sort of shirt, his hair a mess. He had dirt all over him and he was standing there with a bucket of fish, yes fish. There were sun fish, bass, and bluegill just piled in a five gallon bucket. I opened the door and he simply said, “you want some fish?”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jeremy is fourteen. He just got back from about three months in Juvenile hall, his family is broken like a window in an abandoned house, and his brothers are constantly coaxing him to sell drugs and do other stupid illegal things for them. He is a good kid with a good heart who happens to live on my street. Four houses up on the right actually.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I met Jeremy a few years ago when he was eleven. I was out mowing one day and he walked up and asked if he could mow my grass for me in exchange for some cash. I said no, but introduced myself and began a simple conversation with him. It was simple and shallow, but I got his name and remembered it. Every time I saw him after that I would simply say hi to him and call him by his name. Over the next few years I would see him and talk to him here and there. He was usually walking down the street to the school with his girlfriend or something. Eventually I found out more and more about him and got a chance to get to know him on a little deeper level. I kind of became his neighborhood counselor. He would come and hang out and talk. We invited him and his sister to eat with us every so often and we simply became his friend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would sometimes even invite him down to hang out around the fire pit with my friends and I. We would joke and talk about life. He always seemed distant yet hungry for someone to listen, so that is what I tried to do.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>So there Jeremy stood, asking if I wanted some fish that he caught. I hadn’t seen him much lately because he was off doing time at juvenile hall, so he didn’t know we were leaving town the next day. So as I broke the news to him that we were moving out of town tomorrow, his shoulders dropped and this looked of sadness swept over his face. He stood there a second, then he spoke. What he said shook me to the bones. He simply looked at me with this sad face and said, “Now what am I supposed to do? This street is going to go to hell. If you take your Christianity and leave, this street is going to hell.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Sometimes we make Christianity and following Jesus this really hard thing to do. I have been memorizing and studying Romans 12 and there is a verse that simply says, “be okay with spending time with ordinary people.” Jeremy is a kid most people have already written off. He comes from a low-income family that is broken all to pieces, he has been in the system already and done time. He is the “ordinary people” we all come across everyday. It is not always easy or comfortable to hang out and spend time with people who don’t act and smell like you. They may even seem like an inconvenience, but it is our responsibility and calling to be okay with spending time with ordinary people. In doing so, you have the opportunity to share love, encouragement, safety, a listening ear, and truth with them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My challenge to you and to myself as well, is to live a life for God that has time allotted for ordinary people. And when you spend time with them, love them, listen to them, encourage them, and give them truth. Live in such a way that when you leave they don’t miss you, they miss the love of God you displayed.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love God. Pray always. Make time to love ordinary people. Keep the faith! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-70907439039800545292011-07-10T20:58:00.000-07:002011-07-10T21:02:01.236-07:00If Life Were Easy...Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBR7kyLETBp5NuKLiR9tRRhEgDbMOWfhWVNBw091MPhXli9DSGwrsiX4LVg0c0hU49saGAHyaDQXv7TARRsKDHx6xhvZYSr038s4x03WG3w7X0soTj2K0gdDkXETAyrKa_kSWr1qRjkrg/s1600/DSCN1902.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBR7kyLETBp5NuKLiR9tRRhEgDbMOWfhWVNBw091MPhXli9DSGwrsiX4LVg0c0hU49saGAHyaDQXv7TARRsKDHx6xhvZYSr038s4x03WG3w7X0soTj2K0gdDkXETAyrKa_kSWr1qRjkrg/s320/DSCN1902.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627939900597592786" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Dave and I have generally been posting on this blog only once a week, but I felt today’s experience merited a follow-up to this week’s post. It was another somewhat “hard” day. I spent three hours trouble-shooting and fixing our car today…which was three hours too long according to what I had hoped to accomplish today. So, bedtime with the kids was later than usual. It was another struggle to get them to stay in bed. Myah threw up because she got the hiccups after she and Silas had played “sneak-out-of-bed-and-run-back-as-fast-as-you-can.” Which meant another load of laundry. By the end of it all, I felt like a horrible mom and still hadn’t packed a single box. It was 10:30 p.m.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After packing the Russian tea set in multiple layers of bubble wrap, I decided I could call it quits and thought I’d check my email really quickly before heading to bed. There were two messages from our Communitas accountant, giving an update on our financial support. I read the emails and then reread them and then sat down in the floor and cried. God just met me right there on the kitchen floor. We are at 14% of our monthly support! It blew me away. God is faithful and he will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). He captures my weak and failing heart and reminds me that He is good and powerful and loving. I was overcome with thankfulness for our Christian brothers and sisters who are making sacrifices so that we can go where God is leading. It really is amazing. Hard. And beautiful. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-11242368043317313602011-07-09T19:01:00.000-07:002011-07-09T19:04:55.208-07:00If Life Were Easy...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-PjU7jY6q1UqWZi5AZqpLOUjV76-LfFQkLxSqN9O2AaE5dBtWYReAT3joJtuFX-DzrguThpE5ozZlehM_v22rUgFptwBlwEbuBKfo6ueN0B_lHG5h-LOJgrjnVZl9k3lA2DZuU2SPE5t/s1600/DSCN1904.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-PjU7jY6q1UqWZi5AZqpLOUjV76-LfFQkLxSqN9O2AaE5dBtWYReAT3joJtuFX-DzrguThpE5ozZlehM_v22rUgFptwBlwEbuBKfo6ueN0B_lHG5h-LOJgrjnVZl9k3lA2DZuU2SPE5t/s320/DSCN1904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627538718618734034" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">It has officially begun!! The packing, that is! I was a lot more excited about it this morning. Now, having packed 21 boxes worth of books, more books, craft supplies, games, stuffed toys, and a few more books, I’m beginning to wonder if a week is enough time to pack up everything in this house. Dave is in Detroit this week on a mission trip with our youth. My mission this week is to get everything in our house in a box. One thing is for sure—I need more boxes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think my excitement began to wane just a bit mid-day when I realized this task is going to require a lot more time and energy and effort than I thought. In other words, I had hoped it would be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">easier</i>. I think that I often hope for LIFE to be easier. But I don’t know if it ever is, or if it is ever supposed to be that way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think I just want life to be easy. You know, the life where you pack lots of boxes and you can actually see a difference. (My house looks like I haven’t moved a thing yet.) The life where your car doesn’t die right after you get gas and require that you get a stranger to jump it for you. (Yep, that happened today too.) The kind of life where your kids go to bed without a fight. The life where you never have headaches. The life where your house sells the day you put the sign in the yard and your support comes in without having to make a single phone call.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Come to think of it…maybe I don’t wish life was that way. If it was, I probably would have missed the fourteen trips I took down memory lane while packing those boxes today. I would have missed the blessing of the lady who was right there at just the right moment to jump my car…and how perfect that it happened at the gas station where lots of cars come by all the time! I would have missed the wiggles and hugs and time with my kids. I would have missed Myah saying, “Mommy, you want me to kiss your head?” I would have missed the journey of trusting and waiting for God to provide. I would have missed the many blessed conversations and countless words of encouragement every time we talk to people about supporting us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You know, it’s like the Bible story I read to the kids tonight about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I might have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">easier</i> if there was never a king who made crazy laws about bowing down to a statue and then throwing people into a fire if they didn’t. Or it might have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">easier</i> if those three guys had just bowed down. But they would have missed God being with them in the fire. They would have missed the power of obeying the one true God. They would have missed the exhilaration of God doing more than they could ask or imagine. What I really hope for is faith like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had. I want to live life, following God all-out and especially when it’s hard. So, what does that mean for you today? What does it look like to embrace the “hardness” of life with a faith in the God who is even stronger? For me, right now it means planning a Sunday School lesson even though it would be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">easier</i> to go to bed!<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-24683039363264558162011-07-01T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-01T14:26:09.414-07:00Why Do We Suffer...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7H7TtmEnqyWD2Gb3w0TK7jIR9hxbjPbTuC4Jiom_6fbebGgUM58FdDWZCo0PqCT_g8iviIPUFdsDCOkotMpiGe9eLGpIuoBs9ewRIQWSprjZ4XpX0p_5t6IRWVmD4SHgy0hB03xi1v7v/s1600/beggar.aspx.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7H7TtmEnqyWD2Gb3w0TK7jIR9hxbjPbTuC4Jiom_6fbebGgUM58FdDWZCo0PqCT_g8iviIPUFdsDCOkotMpiGe9eLGpIuoBs9ewRIQWSprjZ4XpX0p_5t6IRWVmD4SHgy0hB03xi1v7v/s320/beggar.aspx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624495967815261938" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">C.S. Lewis said this - "The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not."</span></b><div><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><div><br /><div>Jen and I were talking the other night about the fear and anxiety that we feel about this new way of life that we are embarking on. We were praying that God would give us the grace and joy to walk into this new adventure ready to give up "our" schedule, "our" security in things, "our" comfort of "our" own space and "our" own time, or even in giving up "our" own life and what we have known. We love people, we love God, we love serving, but to this point we have loved all that within the comfort of owning "our" own house and having a secure and definite income. This new lifestyle of faith and following God challenges all of "our" paradigms and yet we know that God promises peace and faithfulness if we just trust. We have this sense that God is going to allow us as a family to experience the Kingdom of Heaven in a brand new way this year. In light of this new adventure God is calling us to... please read this passage from Luke. Let it challenge your hearts as it has our hearts.</div><div> LUKE 17:20-33</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><h5 class="passage-header">The Coming of the Kingdom</h5> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25639" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">20</sup> One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, <b>“When will the Kingdom of God come?”</b><p> Jesus replied, <span class="woj">“The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25640" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">21</sup> <span class="woj">You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.”</span></p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25641" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">22</sup> Then he said to his disciples, <span class="woj">“The time is coming when you will long to see the day when the Son of Man returns, but you won’t see it.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25642" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">23</sup> <span class="woj">People will tell you, ‘Look, there is the Son of Man,’ or ‘Here he is,’ but don’t go out and follow them.</span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25643" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">24</sup> <span class="woj">For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25644" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">25</sup> <span class="woj">But first the Son of Man <b>must suffer</b> terribly and be rejected by this generation.</span></p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25645" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">26</sup> <span class="woj">“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25646" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">27</sup> <span class="woj">In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.</span></p><p> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25647" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">28</sup> <span class="woj">“And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—</span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25648" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">29</sup><span class="woj">until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25649" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">30</sup> <span class="woj">Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25650" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">31</sup> <span class="woj">On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25651" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">32</sup> <span class="woj">Remember what happened to Lot’s wife!</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-25652" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">33</sup> <span class="woj"><b>If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.</b></span></p><p><span class="woj"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span class="woj">Giving up security, giving up the comforts of this world and following God brings challenges and fear, but we believe that God is calling us to follow Him to New Orleans and we also believe that what God promises, He always upholds. Therefore, friends, we want to live in God's promise that, if "we" cling to "our" life, "we" will lose it, and if "we" let "our" life go, "we" will save it. Pray that we continue to walk boldly into this new way of life and pray and ask what God would have you do with "your" life. </span></p><p><span class="woj">We love you and appreciate your prayers. </span></p></span><div><br /></div></div></div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-45422936358733738932011-06-25T18:29:00.000-07:002011-06-25T18:56:23.402-07:00He Cares<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveDeJz_VL_saRvpqiQz4ZEmcP8RDGHVD7MXxjZ1RKa0H9Yoozsg_OoEHI-NQa26aE2znQBrc3SHjcvlUJqiIJp-_dXxmB9W0lV8rXFiSMfHC7R4fMV5ZG_qc1i8AYp3PftSUvVzAtGUEK/s1600/DSCN1712.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveDeJz_VL_saRvpqiQz4ZEmcP8RDGHVD7MXxjZ1RKa0H9Yoozsg_OoEHI-NQa26aE2znQBrc3SHjcvlUJqiIJp-_dXxmB9W0lV8rXFiSMfHC7R4fMV5ZG_qc1i8AYp3PftSUvVzAtGUEK/s320/DSCN1712.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622340334991687490" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">“MYAH!” I (Jen) screamed as our sweet-but-incredibly-daring 2-year-old stepped off the sidewalk, about to place her foot on the street. I wouldn’t have shouted quite so loudly had I known that the speeding car I heard from behind me had actually not turned onto our street. The coast was clear and she was safe, but I had to be sure. Admittedly, I sometimes wish my personality did not have such a strong cautious streak. I strive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">not</i> to be an “overly” protective parent. I don’t want to shield my children from what they need to learn. On the other hand, I do not want to carelessly place them in danger, ill-equipped for what may lie ahead.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In our community group this week, I shared something of my fears for my children with this transition we are encountering as a family. It’s not just a physical protectiveness for their safety that wells up in me and too often turns to worry. But rather, a deep-seated desire for their overall well-being. After I voiced this as a prayer concern, my wise brother Trent said that perhaps the sense of protection and care I feel toward my children is evidence of how the Lord cares for His children. God has put that in us as a reflection of the deep concern He has for us. Trent said it better than that, but it really struck me. Mainly, I realized in that moment that I had “forgotten” how much God cares for me. And that any worry or fear I might have is erased in the knowledge and understanding of His love for His children. Please feel free to remind me of that in the coming weeks. I may have a tendency to forget…God loves us. He desires what is best. He is perfectly capable of watching over us—and our children. So, this week I pray that we—and you—take daring steps to follow freely the Father who loves us so deeply.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-39904541901557686932011-06-18T18:54:00.000-07:002011-06-18T19:54:37.777-07:00A Movement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmQVL2fz9Qgp0202hLtIIwmarEe-T6TLSw0JlPKzdEz2dj_zHGFIB33qVraNDH-w2cstSaf0hik44iz8gZKNs8ld6sRP0iBihD74orVX_A58670wkXakVEuqyEeLifERETGxpeUI3Nse6/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmQVL2fz9Qgp0202hLtIIwmarEe-T6TLSw0JlPKzdEz2dj_zHGFIB33qVraNDH-w2cstSaf0hik44iz8gZKNs8ld6sRP0iBihD74orVX_A58670wkXakVEuqyEeLifERETGxpeUI3Nse6/s320/IMG_1528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619757353672363634" /></a><br />Isaiah 56:1-3 - The Lord says, "Be just and fair to all, do what is right and good. For I am coming to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. Blessed are they who do this. Blessed are those who keep the sabbath day holy and keep themselves from doing wrong. Do not let the foreigner who commits his way to the Lord say, 'The Lord will never allow me to be part of His people.' And do not let the eunuch say, 'I am a dried up tree with no children and no future."<div><br /></div><div>When St. Patrick began evangelizing Ireland, he said, "I want the one who visits us to observe more of a movement than an institution, with small provisional buildings of wood and mud, a movement featuring laity more than clergy. We want it to be more imaginative and less cerebral, closer to nature and its creatures. A place that emphasizes the immanence of Christ and the providence of God rather than His transcendence."</div><div><br /></div><div>This passage of scripture is one that I have been memorizing and meditating on this past week. Through this step of faith that we are taking as a family, I have had a new appreciation and longing to be close to God and in His word. As I meditated on these verses this week, I noticed a few things that have challenged me and thought I would share them with you.</div><div>1. What we are to do as God's people is simple and not rocket science.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~He simply wants us to be just and fair and do what is right and good. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~He then wants us to simply do what He does. The very first thing God did after creation <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>was rest. All through the scriptures, God gives us an example and He simply says do <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>this... Do what I do.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~Keep life simple... don't make it harder than it has to be.</div><div>2. Live among people</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~He talks about the two extremes of people in the Jewish culture.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>a. The Eunuch - the most devoted to Christ and the one who sacrificed the most for <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span>Christ</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>b. The Foreigner- the one who was not accepted because he was deemed detestable</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~Both are accepted in God's eyes and have just as much right to the inheritance of the <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>kingdom. Do you treat all people that way?</div><div>3.Living among people provides opportunity to serve and love.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>~Both examples are found questioning things about how God views them and what their <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>future looks like. They are both wrestling with purpose and acceptance. When we live <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>among people, doing what is just and fair, and what is right and good, and living like <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Christ lived, people will come to us with life's tough questions and we can point them <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> to the hope that lies in the next verses of Isaiah 56. Read it for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I think and pray about what our future holds, I get excited amidst the fear because we are hopefully stepping into something that is not just something we do, but it is a movement that helps all people see that there is a hope and a future. Read God's word. Pray for us in this transition. Live among people and follow Christ's example. </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653091076744087377.post-16855527670938738132011-06-10T18:12:00.000-07:002011-06-10T19:14:14.370-07:00I Just Want To Be Like You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ68f5BGDgfq7T1y2kbmAUtTKAxGKDMBAJSeraX5geZh5UTVU7_MyrDWVblu-53VjmEVGmM2Lm-0aXTgLlTtGLbSAjKSMUb9baiLvmjv9KV26EW3LN7FwIdfuUnPoQAmvWeiR58hvqUVU/s1600/silasimitate.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ68f5BGDgfq7T1y2kbmAUtTKAxGKDMBAJSeraX5geZh5UTVU7_MyrDWVblu-53VjmEVGmM2Lm-0aXTgLlTtGLbSAjKSMUb9baiLvmjv9KV26EW3LN7FwIdfuUnPoQAmvWeiR58hvqUVU/s320/silasimitate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616778560973652146" /></a><br />Have you ever been around someone you wanted to be like? Someone you watched and you wanted to get to know and be more like? The more you watched them the more you grew confident that you wanted to be just like them and do what they did? It didn't matter if the people around you were doing it or not or even what they may think about you, you were willing to do what they did. The people you want to be like are usually set apart by a few distinct qualities: they are passionate, hard-working, and want others to get involved. <div><br /></div><div>Why do I bring this up you may ask. Well, it has to do with the picture at the top. It is Silas at Bible School this week and he is sitting in the large group time that was led by some of the 6th graders. When he came home he was always so pumped about the songs he learned and the motions they taught him. He started the week by just watching with wide eyes, then Tuesday it was doing a few of the motions and songs at home, to Wednesday and Thursday he was up and doing the motions with the group. Then Friday he was debating about going up when they asked for volunteers. What a transformation of attitude that was all based on those who were on the stage. The 6th graders had worked hard for the last few months learning the songs and motions, they were passionate and excited about what they were doing, and they were constantly challenging those watching to get involved. Today ended with Silas saying, "I should have gone up on the stage, I won't have another chance cause VBS is over." </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the takeaway: I was challenged this week by my son to live for Christ passionately, to work hard at everything we do, and encourage others to get involved. It would be a shame to live out this new adventure and at some point find myself saying, "I wish I would have done more, but now its too late." When I live like this, I hope people will want to follow and imitate me. And if I am imitating Christ then they too will be imitating Christ and that is our one hope and prayer as we go on this adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>1 Cor. 11:1 - "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Eph. 5:1 - "Imitate God, Therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Silas for continuing to teach me so much about life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday Jen!!! </div>Dave Colliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274958530813138522noreply@blogger.com0