tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259743982024-03-13T11:51:53.288-07:00Green PasturesI shall not be in want...
He makes me lie down in green pastures...
He leads me beside quiet waters...
He restores my soul... ~Ps. 23:2~Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-86675565237020839762015-03-20T10:20:00.000-07:002015-03-20T10:34:51.596-07:00FoundationsIn my years growing up on the coast of Southern California, I saw some incredible storms hit the shoreline. Of course, being a recreational surfer, impending storms were actually something my friends and I excitedly anticipated. Storms meant "Surf's up" and we often grabbed our boards and hit the beach to take advantage of the bigger waves. <br />
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In really BIG storms, there always seemed to be a point at which the storm overcame my ability to handle the biggest waves. It was then that I'd humbly pack up my board and simply watched the storm do it's thing. There were a few storms that still stand out in my memory. The sound of huge waves hitting the shore is something you simply don't forget.<br />
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The devastation the ocean can bring to the shoreline is breathtaking. I've seen things along the coast in serious storms that I definitely don't see in North Texas (unless it is the work of a tornado). Multi-million dollar homes get sucked right out into the sea in a matter of minutes. Homes that were "engineered" to withstand the forces of nature fold up like a house of cards.<br />
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Though Jesus didn't surf Southern California (though I think he was cool like that), being the creative force behind all creation, he knows a thing or two about storms and the damage they inflict on structures. He even used that reality as an example in teaching his followers. He said, "<i>Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock.</i>" (Matthew 7:24-29)<br />
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Storms in life come and go, but the thing that allows us to stand through them is what our life is built upon. Notice Jesus said, "<i>everyone who <b>hears</b> and <b>obeys</b></i>." I've heard a ton of Jesus' teaching, but I've got to be honest...I haven't always obeyed them. And I've found that obeying...really makes a storm-sized difference in how things go in my life.<br />
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When I choose to consciously <i><b>not</b></i> follow Jesus' teaching, it is like I'm consciously weakening my foundation. When the big storms come (and it has just started raining outside as I write this)...I have to wonder which "house" I'll be? The one washed out to sea or the one standing to see another beautiful day on the coast?<br />
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Join us at <a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/" target="_blank">The Point</a>, this Sunday night March 22, 5:00 in <a href="http://www.event1013.com/" target="_blank">downtown Plano</a> for healthy food, live music, loving friendship and a discussion of the best foundation to build your life on.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-14208032754163204982015-03-05T10:38:00.000-08:002015-03-20T10:32:19.910-07:00Slipping and SlidingI can only imagine the rolling of eyes and snide whispers coming from my friends and relatives living in the northeastern United States on days when Dallas gets an "arctic blast." We've had a couple this winter and this morning, my family and I are "trapped" (insert laugh here) indoors behind 4" of snow and ice. Meanwhile, people I know in places like New Hampshire are STILL digging out from record FEET of snow that fell a week or two ago and their lives go on with business as usual. Relativity is definitely in play here!<br />
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<a href="http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kera/files/styles/x_large/public/201502/dallas_snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kera/files/styles/x_large/public/201502/dallas_snow.jpg" height="150" id="yui_3_5_1_4_1425580021140_1579" width="200" /></a>Truth told, the metro Dallas/Fort Worth area (and most of north Texas for that matter) simply isn't equipped for frozen weather. Plows and blowers are as uncommon here as a canoe in a parking lot at AT&T Stadium (a.k.a. "Jerryland" -- where the Cowboys play). Places like Chicago can deal with FEET of snow and scarcely miss a beat, but only a few inches of the white stuff grind my town to a halt. It really is a bit comical when you think about it.<br />
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So this morning's coffee time was spent watching local new reports of 18-wheel big rigs trying to navigate the Mix Master and the High Five highway interchanges. It sobers me that vehicles so impressively built for torque with hundreds of horsepower can be brought to a slipping and sliding mess by less than an inch of ice. Trucks that normally haul tons of goods clear across the country can't move a single inch in this stuff! They <i>stand still</i> until the conditions change (or the de-icing truck comes to the rescue). What is normally easy...is <i>impossible</i>...without help.<br />
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Something Jesus taught his followers often hits me like a 1/2" of ice on a Dallas road... Jesus said, "<i>Love your enemies</i>"...and there I go...slipping and sliding...struggling to get traction to keep moving forward in love for all people. "Love your... <i>WHAT</i>?" Seriously? That seems impossible when I hear it because I even have trouble loving the people I know love me! And I'm supposed to also love the people I know <i>don't</i> love me? C'mon...really? But, Jesus didn't leave us without help...traction is available! We just need to discover it.<br />
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This Sunday night at <a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/" target="_blank">The Point</a>...there will be conversation and music about this challenging teaching. Coming together in community... maybe you and I can take a step forward and get some traction in loving the way Jesus loves. See you Sunday evening at 5:00 in <a href="http://www.event1013.com/" target="_blank">downtown Plano</a>.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-59198000865845456172015-01-23T12:49:00.000-08:002015-01-23T13:00:21.038-08:00Birth9 months is a long time to wait and I freely admit, men have no clue what it is like. Try as they might to project themselves into the circumstances of carrying a child INSIDE of them and then birthing that child into the world...men just don't get it! There is simply no conceivable way (pardon the pun) a man can understand the process of childbirth. The waiting...the anticipation...the exasperation...the pain, the deliverance...the delivery...the exhaustion...the exhilaration...the <br />
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emancipation...the euphoria...the recognition when eyes meet for the first time...that first culmination of 9 months of planning, caring, loving...and then the eventual forgetfulness of pain and lifetime of love that only a mother can have. Guys, we don't get it. And yet, somehow...some way...we just might understand, if even only a little.<br />
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For 15 years, I've had a "something" growing inside of me. I have planned for it, nurtured it and loved it as my very own for a decade and a half (that's some lengthy gestation). Then, a little less than 9 months ago certain life circumstances began to force that "something" out of me. It was originally conceived sitting on the patio of a Starbucks Coffee shop in Phoenix, Arizona and it has been growing, developing and evolving deep inside me ever since. That day, it was given a name... "<b>The Point</b>."<br />
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"<i>What's The Point?" </i>you ask. That is the same question I've been asking off and on for 15 years... "<i>What <b>is</b> the point</i>?" a simple and yet quite provocative question, isn't it?<br />
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In the 15 years I've been waiting (or stalling... only God really knows for sure) others have birthed similar "somethings" into this world. I'm happy about that, too. While I'm surely not the first to give birth to such an idea, I do believe I am part of a growing number of "parents" who are raising up some "children" with wonderful potential.<br />
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As with any birthing event, many people are involved. The mother and child, for sure. But there are doctors, OB/GYN nurses, anesthesiologists (praise God), and certain other specialists who all ensure the birth is as successful as possible. In the past few years, I have had a host of "specialists" come in and out of my life to help bring my little "something" into the world. We generally don't birth things alone. Finally...though it doesn't look exactly the way we all anticipate it eventually will (what child ever does on the day it is born)...a "birthday" for <a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/" target="_blank"><b>The Point</b></a> has come.<br />
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At <b>5:00pm</b> on <b>February 8, 2015</b>, I am pleased to announce <b>The Point</b> will step into the world. The birthplace will be <b><a href="http://www.event1013.com/" target="_blank">event1013</a> </b>in downtown Plano, Texas. As the name suggests, <b>event1013</b> is located at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/1013+E+15th+St,+Plano,+TX+75074/@33.019978,-96.700345,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x864c191b9db3f9df:0xc3b2b8de4cbe4e51?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>1013 E. 15th Street</b></a> near the heart of downtown Plano.<br />
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Please be praying for a complication-free birth and a wonderfully long and influential life. If you want to check out our "sonogram" visit <b><a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/">www.thepointmeetshere.org</a> </b>and if <b>The Point</b> sounds like something you'd like to get to know...you are invited to come share time with us beginning Feb. 8. Peace.<br />
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<br />Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-18575955522735026752015-01-05T11:14:00.000-08:002015-01-05T11:38:28.705-08:00Second Hand LoveHow are your New Year's Resolutions going? Only five days into 2015 and some of them may already be in the tank. If so...take heart. I know your frustration. <br />
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Over the years I've grown weary of "New Year's Resolutions." While resolutions provide powerful motivation for some, for whatever reason rather than motivate, they frustrate me. So a few years ago, I gave them up. I resolved to no longer make New Year's Resolutions. I certainly don't criticize people who make them, I just don't make them anymore. Instead... I dream. <br />
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Dreaming, I envision what life can look like a year or more from now and I try to step daily closer to that dream. For me, it is a more creative process. At times I'm good at it, sometimes I'm not. Like in writing a song or making something with my hands. I know it may take time to get there, but I love the process of working little by little to make a dream a reality. Sometimes the end product looks different from how I first envisioned it, but that is part of the fun; part of the creative process.<br />
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Important to my creative process is realizing all the possible resources available to make a dream come true. I become aware of needed things to bring the dream to fruition. If the dream is a piece of music, I know there are certain resources I can use; particular instruments and elements of music theory. If it is a home project, I look at websites and I note the tools for the job. I may have some, or might borrow a tool, rent one or purchase one. Each tool is critical to make the dream a reality.<br />
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Dreaming, I also realize the value of people and relationships. 2015 finds me working toward a new dream called The Point. This morning I was thinking about all the people resources necessary to make this dream a reality. There are a lot of people needed; all bringing their unique gifts and talents together. Gathering all those things together isn't easy. I began thinking about the "glue" that will hold us all in place...allowing us all to move toward a common goal. And I realized the glue is...love.<br />
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I am blessed to know many people. Even if I doubt it at times, I'm confident many of those people love me and I love them. But something hit me this morning...here's what it was...none of the love we share is "original" to us. We didn't create that love, we merely pass it along; we're conduits of love.<br />
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Like light from the sun...we enjoy when it shines upon us. We live in the light of day. We've even learned to harness sunlight and store it's energy in batteries charged through solar panels, but we don't do <i>anything</i> to "originate" the sun's light. It always precedes us. <br />
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I think love works the same way. Love <i>precedes</i> us. It existed long before us and we simply tap into it and extend it to others. So...when I experience people who love me and they experience my love in return, we're really enjoying "<i>second hand love</i>." Not second-hand in the sense it is "gently used" or "leftover" but in the sense that we all filter and extend the most powerful force in the universe that didn't start with us. Like walking in the warmth of the sun or running off solar charged batteries...we benefit from a preexisting force... called Love.<br />
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The greatest thing about "<i>second hand love</i>" is that when we experience it we're experiencing Original Love (the Bible references this concept in 1 John 4:19). Genuinely offered, another person's love is an outcropping, a "secondary" extension of the true Original. Realizing this not only allows us to enjoy expressions of love more confidently (knowing they come from an even greater source than the person), but it also draws us back to the One who has been loving from before time. With that kind of resource available, how can we not dream of a brighter tomorrow? I guess that's The Point, isn't it?Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-28652365834930693172014-12-29T12:21:00.000-08:002014-12-29T12:34:24.576-08:00Made Fresh From Scratch<div style="text-align: left;">
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" style="height: 179px; margin-top: 0px; width: 270px;" width="200" /></a>I typically prefer giving gifts of perpetuity (having a long existence) especially during the holidays. However, this Christmas my wife and I did something unusual (at least for us) and gave a gift we knew would be gone in only a matter of days (if it even lasted that long!). We gave a delicious Rum Cake. Now...I never imagined I would spend as much on "cake" as I would on a more lasting gift. But, ahh... I'd never tasted cake like this one before, either. Mercy!<br />
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Made from the absolute finest ingredients (I imagined "spun gold" to have surely been in the mix), including superlative locally distilled rum, this cake was the <b>BEST</b> I'd ever tasted. At the time, I wasn't even shopping for cake. I had already purchased a distillery tour as a gift for someone else and the lady assisting me in that purchase offered a sample of the rum cake. One bite is all it took. She went on to tell me of the labor of love poured into each cake, not to mention the quality of the rum and all the other ingredients "<i>made fresh from scratch</i>." I was duly impressed but unmoved to bite on the price.<br />
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I'd actually made it into the car without the cake when the aftertaste really kicked into high gear. I called my wife and told her how amazing this cake was and she quickly said, "<i>Go back and get one and we'll give it to my parents for Christmas</i>." Both of us immediately thought but didn't confess until much later that evening, "<i>Maybe they'll share some</i>." And as it turned out, they generously did! Mercy!<br />
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"<i>Made from scratch</i>" cake is so different from boxed or even prepackaged "fresh." A discerning palate definitely tastes the difference and is willing to pay for it. Even if paying more isn't something we're accustomed to doing, we'll risk doing something different for an exceptional experience. The cake was definitely worth the investment. The perpetuity of the gift was in the lasting memory of knowing we all enjoyed the "best Rum Cake ever!"<br />
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As 2014 draws to a close, there is an opportunity to invest in something being "<i>made fresh from scratch.</i>" A team of people are developing a new kind of urban ministry experience targeted for downtown Plano, Texas. It is called THE POINT and we are essentially building from scratch. THE POINT is a different kind of faith experience designed to build relationship with people who are looking for God and looking for meaningful community. You can discover more about THE POINT at <a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/"><b>www.thepointmeetshere.org</b></a> or you can check the FaceBook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepointmeetshere"><b>www.facebook.com/thepointmeetshere</b></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48DDw_RqeKDI5zeQnLn9sHysLlqw1Vr03rGNiHceTsXqf6i9hfuwWVXZCkEMOaDtkBNeaigeJtGbZjgI0NFgHKy6uUF3cqMcYhe44Rd9JOgwXVmHj8hgJM0fDcIqoRcJ2j4Mn/s1600/Coffee+Sleeve+Graphic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48DDw_RqeKDI5zeQnLn9sHysLlqw1Vr03rGNiHceTsXqf6i9hfuwWVXZCkEMOaDtkBNeaigeJtGbZjgI0NFgHKy6uUF3cqMcYhe44Rd9JOgwXVmHj8hgJM0fDcIqoRcJ2j4Mn/s1600/Coffee+Sleeve+Graphic-1.jpg" height="154" width="200" /></a>This type of investment might not be something you're accustomed to doing. But in any effort, whether baking, creating or developing... building from scratch takes resources. Like an exceptional cake, the end result is worth the investment. THE POINT is looking for people willing to invest in building from scratch. No investment is too big or too small. It takes community to build community...so as this year comes to an end, please give generously to help build an incredible experience.<br />
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The Point is a registered 501c3 organization and your donations are fully tax deductible. <br />
<br />
Checks are made out to <b>The Point: A Faith Community</b> and are mailed to<br />
<b>P.O. Box 861635 Plano, TX 75086 </b><br />
Donations posted by December 31 are eligible for 2014 tax deductions.<br />
<br />
Donations are also made through a PayPal account link on the web at<br />
<a href="http://www.thepointmeetshere.org/"><b>www.thepointmeetshere.org</b></a><br />
Locate the PayPal link button at the bottom of the home page.<br />
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Your partnership is meaningful and it will make a difference. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!<br />
Another slice of cake, anyone?Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-38695842788442021312014-12-18T10:26:00.000-08:002014-12-18T10:26:32.095-08:00"Happy" Holidays and "Merry" ChristmasThis is an emotional time of year. "Joy(s) to the World" and "Holly Jollies" are frequently met with "sorrows in the 'hood" and "holy molies" in the silence of night. Especially poignant to me are friends with seasonal memories leaving them fallow and grey. Like clockwork, like season's change...they are virtually inescapable. For many, receiving the greeting of "<i>Happy</i> Holidays" or "<i>Merry</i> Christmas" is a tough swallow, especially in light of what they've experienced near the holidays in years past.<br />
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The other day, friends lost a parent to death after a long illness. Knowing this passing was inevitable, I was praying they'd be spared this particular sadness until a while after the New Year, but unfortunately that was not to be the case. Now, their future holiday seasons will always be marked by this passing and I know it will take some work to get through it.<br />
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The day after the funeral, it was all the more striking to me when two 20-somethings walked by my table at Starbucks. The second of the two rather loudly proclaimed, "<i>I couldn't be happier than I am right now. In fact, this has got to be the happiest day of my life</i>." While I was immediately gladdened by the joy in his world, I was as simultaneously struck by how fleeting days like these can be. "<i>What about tomorrow</i>?" I thought to myself. "<i>If this is the happiest day of your life buddy, apparently tomorrow is going to have to be pretty darn exceptional to top this one</i>. <i>And what about when you're my age</i>? <i>That day is going to have to be crazy amazing</i>!" Or perhaps...that day really <i>was</i> going to be the happiest day of his life. Literally. Who knows?<br />
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Therein lies the rub, right? Do we expect every new day to be better than the one before it? When people say, "<i>I love this time of year!</i>" does that imply they always anticipate every holiday season is going to be filled with perfect joy? How do we navigate when we face the sobriety of harsh reality?<br />
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Jesus once said, "<i>...don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own</i>." I've always used those words to face my own concerns, fears and anxieties. And...being truly honest, those words have helped me walk through some significantly hard days. But after those two guys walked out of Starbucks...I thought about an another possible angle, and I wondered if Jesus would agree. "<i>...be happy for the joy of today, celebrate it (for sure) but then let it rest at day's end. There are no guarantees tomorrow will be even better</i>." <br />
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Especially in the holiday season, we spend a lot of energy reaching back to resurrect joyful days of old. Even some of our carols proclaim it, "<i>Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore</i>." We seem to revere joyful memories to such an extent, I wonder if we even begin to idolize them. We set those times up so highly in our esteem that it makes everything else pale in comparison. Parents try to recreate memories of their childhood and are often frustrated when their kids "don't get it" and don't embrace the old family tradition as expected. Rather than simply being happy with new experiences and making new memories for today, we keep reaching backwards...trying to make today even better than yesterday. Consequently...some folks just give up completely and can't wait for the season to pass.<br />
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This particular holiday season (it's kind of a tough one for me) I'm simply choosing to be happy for the joy of today, celebrate it (for sure), but then let it rest at day's end. There are no guarantees tomorrow will be any better...but following Jesus, I have learned...yesterday has passed and we "<i>don't have to worry about tomorrow</i>."<br />
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So..."<i>Happy</i>" Holidays and "<i>Merry</i>" Christmas, everyone.<br />
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Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-45230625517624711282014-12-02T11:43:00.000-08:002014-12-02T11:43:01.032-08:00Emergence -- the wisdom of the Butterfly<br />
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<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10730773_10152700314524279_8698140192323997389_n.jpg?oh=59eef83664cff878deff198f301dc709&oe=551ABD24&__gda__=1427910706_9a96f077f1a1d9b4ca4d1dd6abc2951e" width="112" /> </div>
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My brother-in-law lives in south Florida and he's always had a perfect green thumb. Anything he puts in the soil of that humid climate grows like crazy. And I don't mean it just "grows," it flourishes! He's really quite amazing. He's had some of the most beautiful yards and gardens I've ever seen in my life. He can take even the smallest of spaces, even using just pots and potting soil and turn them into an oasis! Lately, his interests have expanded into growing something else... butterflies!<br />
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He built a little "caterpillar condo" on his patio. Now he gets the creatures as caterpillars, then watches them cocoon and then celebrates their emergence as beautiful creatures. I'm telling you, this guy can grow stuff! Looking at some of these delicate creatures, it dawned on me what an amazing metamorphosis occurs in their development. From "worm," to really tight living quarters, to emergence as a fascinating, peaceful and gently beautiful butterfly.<br />
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What really struck me recently was that once they have begun the transformation, there is no turning back. What they once were, will be no more. What was in the past is...well...the past! Instead of being land locked fuzzy worms...they are free to fly about the country. But they had to go through a tight, perhaps even uncomfortable season to get to air-bound glory.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10482532_10152700314409279_6633891745989193010_n.jpg?oh=1081b4ab358eaf99a39840104e7d4524&oe=54FF907D&__gda__=1426136834_dde8612dd1642eb95f31fc316a2de16c" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10482532_10152700314409279_6633891745989193010_n.jpg?oh=1081b4ab358eaf99a39840104e7d4524&oe=54FF907D&__gda__=1426136834_dde8612dd1642eb95f31fc316a2de16c" width="179" /></a>I feel like I'm going through a similar metamorphosis. Yes...I've definitely proven "worm" status on many occasions, been through some hard times...but I'm looking forward to an emergence. It is coming...I can feel things happening...and I know there is a power greater than myself that is doing His work on me. But the emergence is really what I'm longing for...anticipation takes patience.<br />
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A friend of mine recently applied for the job of his dreams...and he didn't get it. Frustrated, he got in touch with me and we shared his lament. He's a really talented guy and when he told me he applied and submitted his resume, I really anticipated he'd get the job. But he didn't.<br />
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I know how badly he wanted the gig and it just didn't happen for him. So... I shared the following thought in an IM, "<i>...keep your eyes forward. Tomorrow...it'll be yesterday (and in the past). The past is always the past for good or for bad. In only a few hours, this will be behind you. So look forward and take that next step, even if it is a small one. It'll make sense in time.</i>"<br />
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It was wisdom from the butterfly. The past is simply the past. Today...maybe tomorrow...has the anticipation of what beautiful thing we are becoming. Hang in there friends, it is all a matter of emergence. Isn't that the point?Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-24460496412264213852014-11-21T22:33:00.000-08:002014-11-21T22:33:44.833-08:00Waiting No More...Tom Petty sings:<br />
<i>The waiting is the hardest part<br />
Every day you see one more card<br />
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart<br />
The waiting is the hardest part</i> <br />
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While I like to think of myself as a patient individual, waiting has not often been a strong move of mine. I'm chronically "just a little bit late" everywhere I go (which is frustrating for those who spend much time with me). After giving it considerable thought, I finally figured out why I'm "just a little late." The reason is I don't like to wait unnecessarily. That...drives me crazy! I'd rather just rush in at the last second than stand around "killing time." Waiting is really difficult for me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.feelnumb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/stp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.feelnumb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/stp.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="131" src="http://www.feelnumb.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/stp.jpg" width="200" /></a>I am fully aware that waiting is part of the game of life. My Dad once acquired a cool branded T-shirt from a drag-racer friend of his that he then gave to me. I was about 9 years old at the time and the shirt was a Men's XL! When my Dad threw it to me I was elated! Roaring with joy, I dropped the shirt over my head and promptly disappeared somewhere between the letters <i>STP</i> (a racing oil brand popular back in the day). I was so bummed! I wanted to wear the shirt SO badly right then. I think I finally wore it sometime in high school and even then it was still too big for my (then) skinny frame. However, the shirt was equally cool (and almost vintage) some 8 or 9 years later. I just needed to wait for it. I've read, "<i>There is a time for every purpose under heaven</i>."<br />
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Trying to become a better waiter (both the food delivering variety <i>and</i> the "wait for the right time" kind) is no easy matter. It is a discipline that comes only one way...by waiting. Sometimes the wait is for a very long time. But eventually, like when your beloved "cool" T-shirt almost fits and you get to wear it for the first time, the time finally arrives. Today is, again, one of those moments for me.<br />
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I am joyfully pleased to announce the emergence of something that has been in my heart and mind for over 15 years. I have been waiting a <i>long</i> time to welcome people to something God planted in me while sitting on the patio of a coffee shop in northern Phoenix, Arizona around the turn of the 21st century (sounds like a hundred years ago, doesn't it?) This idea has been brewing in me ever since. At times it was almost as dormant as a Crepe Myrtle in the dead of winter and at other times, I thought the idea would burn a hole in my soul. Time...waiting...more time...more waiting... there are things in life that simply can't be rushed. Peter Block once wrote, "<i>There is simply no way to shorten the time that depth requires</i>." I suppose that's correct.<br />
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I've shared this burning thing God planted in me on many occasions and frankly most people just didn't get where I was coming from (many still won't and I've come to accept that). Then one day God sent a few people my way who <i>did</i> understand where I was coming from and, not only did they understand, they were willing to partner together in growing the idea into a reality.<br />
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Following a series of challenging events, our seed idea was forced to sprout and the Creative One push it up through the heavy ground of painful circumstance. Today... the waiting is giving birth to something new...yes, a new beginning is coming upon us. With the partnership of a team of amazing and passionate people, something is emerging from the wait.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0mshTqoGyDHwCX3UXnBiCtFhjvzRmlgmy0oGBiY0X2d52ow26uxo8SmIaO-dpq-jbpe3i9h5QRk11ozZpCWhTNZN3EvMzCpOfLaX15T6dwfu6eaqTAbwdxveQ0VP-s4KNw7l/s1600/Coffee+Sleeve+Graphic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0mshTqoGyDHwCX3UXnBiCtFhjvzRmlgmy0oGBiY0X2d52ow26uxo8SmIaO-dpq-jbpe3i9h5QRk11ozZpCWhTNZN3EvMzCpOfLaX15T6dwfu6eaqTAbwdxveQ0VP-s4KNw7l/s1600/Coffee+Sleeve+Graphic-1.jpg" height="154" width="200" /></a>I introduce to you...THE POINT. <br />
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"What is THE POINT?" you may ask. And that would be an excellent question, indeed. "<i>What is the point</i>?" What is the point of you, me, us...at this moment...at this place...in this season, for what reason? Those are some very good questions, aren't they?<br />
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Please take a moment and visit this FaceBook link. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepointmeetshere">THE POINT</a> <br />
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Though far from comprehensive, the words you find on the Facebook page may whet your interest (see the "About" section). You may even want to grab a cup of coffee and prayerfully dream along with us toward what on earth we might be planning. You might see it as a little bit different, yes. But the more we've worked on the concept, the more we are finding others who share similar thoughts. Some of those are farther down the road than we are (they're waiting ended sooner than ours) and we give thanks for their courageous trailblazing. There are a few of us now...and likely many more to follow (they're just waiting for their wait to come to a close). <br />
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If you are inclined to pray, please join us in praying for THE POINT and stay tuned for ways you can participate in this newly emerging urban experience.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-27855283093563404382014-11-04T12:04:00.000-08:002014-11-04T12:04:12.081-08:00Redefining RainFinally...rain is falling on the parched dry land I've called home for nearly the past decade. North Texas is experiencing a record-breaking drought and the 2+ inches of steady soaking we are receiving today is an answer to some prayers. By no means will it singularly cure the drought, refill the reservoirs or lift the land-locked boats slips in the area lakes, but...it is a start. <br />
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As the rain falls, I wonder about the implications. The disparate contrast of record dry days kicks me into a reflective state. How necessary water is for our existence. As living creatures we're good for about three days without it and then we're done! How truly dependent we are. Dependent on a Provider far greater than ourselves and when drought comes, isn't it convincing that we can't create <i>anything</i> to remedy the dryness ourselves? There are not enough bottles of water to heal the distress. Only One can provide what we need.<br />
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Over 1" has fallen outside my window this morning...and I find myself ironically drafted into this dry season. Life as I've known it for nearly 32 years has effectively dried up. The title, the position, the business card, the phone number, the email address, the (office) space to call my own...evaporated. Only traces of it remain like footprints left when soil is damp. Things of that life increasingly seem like the miles of fallow shoreline around Lake Ray Hubbard. It was with the subtlety of weeks upon weeks of glorious sun-drenched days...that circumstances came in quietly, against preference, at the volition of others and a cost to many. Dry...parched...cracked...thirsty...I wait...for rain to fall.<br />
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Dry seasons are desperate. We want to continue on as we did when the reservoirs were full and there was plenty to go around. In fact, we could even waste a little here and there and nobody seemed to care. But droughts call for restrictions and we soon discover every little drop matters. So...today the rain falls but the drought isn't over. Perhaps more rain will come? <br />
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Though desperate these drought-filled days are, there is glorious anticipation that the rains will come. Boat docks will float again and lawns will grow lush and green and all those "Stage 3 Water Restriction" signs will find their way back into municipal storage once more. But when those anticipated days come, things won't be like they used to be. You can't live through a drought and ever see rain the same again.<br />
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Yes...I hear the rain falling and it causes me to dream. But not of a time before the drought for that time is all too distant and behind me now. No...I dream of a time to come. A time when the land is soaked with a new kind of goodness and every dew-filled morning is new...refreshed by the rain that has finally come and in abundance.<br />
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Today I'm redefining the rain...or is it redefining me?Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-84599448781166287172012-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:002015-01-05T11:39:17.479-08:00A Grand SchemeOccasionally, I get what feels like a grand sense of things. It is as if I get to see a landscape from altitude. As if looking down from 30,000 feet as though I were flying in a plane. I don't claim any "special" insight, I think it is just a function of being present in the moment and listening.<br />
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One of the venues where I experience this most is in preaching on a weekly basis and hearing what others are preaching in the same season. I hear commonalities in the intersections at which what I have been led to speak to in my faith community and where speakers are led to speak in other faith communities from all over the world.<br />
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I've experienced this phenomenon with some consistency over the past 30 years. At pastor gatherings, conferences, even simple lunch meetings, there are threads of similarity that appear with timely consistency. Now with the advent of social networking, not only has the frequency of these occurences increased, but the worldwide footprint of them has as well. Another instance happened for me just a few minutes ago.<br />
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Today, I shared with my faith community the thought that God has a hand in placing us in specific space and time for divine relationship and purpose. I asked people to consider how life might be different if, rather than thinking of us "choosing" our friends, to consider how it might be if our friends are perhaps "chosen" for us (to fulfill divine experiences). If we follow the opportunity, our friendships can be mutually gratifying and create transcendent experiences. I suggested that we have been "brought together" as a faith community for a divine purpose that is beautiful and good and greater than what we can merely achieve on our own.<br />
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A friend posted on his social wall that his pastor said the following this morning... <span class="userContent">"I didn't plant this church. This church planted me." Though I don't know the full context, that quote would have fit seamlessly in the gist of what I was sharing this morning. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Ironic? Coincidental? I want to think that it is more than that. I want to believe that we "<i>live and move and have our being</i>" in the God who is trying to lead people into relationship that is far greater than anything we can create for ourselves and it excites me to imagine where the grand scheme of things will lead us.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">I'll keep listening. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">What are you hearing? </span>Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-8455895281146886482012-08-31T13:43:00.000-07:002012-08-31T13:43:35.729-07:00ConnectedDo you ever get a sense of connectedness that you simply can't explain? It can be somewhat overwhelming and yet, comforting at the same time. Whatever the notion is, it seems to come from far beyond us and summons up deep recesses of what is real.<br />
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Some will call it Spirit, some may call it intuition, some may have other nomenclature for it. I find myself increasingly less concerned with identifying it and more compelled to listen to it.<br />
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For me, connectedness appears in random places and at unexpected times. This past Tuesday, while lunching with my younger daughter, I felt the connection in the face of a little child. A total stranger to me, she sat in her high chair with her parents on both sides of the table. For a long while, she didn't even acknowledge our presence, but then she turned around and looked at us. Both Ciara and I were drawn deep into her countenance. Her smile was adorable and she grinned at us with the sweetest of affections, but I felt myself almost falling deeply into her essence. It was as if her smile was the cover of the book and once opened, there were chapters of things to know and love. I've not yet talked with Ciara to ask her experience, but there was "something" there. We "connected" and then, as quickly as she engaged us, she turned around and began to play with a piece of garlic bread. Connection achieved, move on.<br />
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I've felt this connection as long as I can remember. One of my earliest life memories was of a waitress in a strange restaurant. I must have been no more than four years old, I remember the moment like it was yesterday. She did speak intentionally to me, but I don't remember what she said. It was something about her -- something beyond her -- that I've never forgotten. A 30 or 40 minute meal, a momentary gesture... and a lifetime memory.<br />
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And then there are those friends with whom the connection transcends the duration of acquaintance. Those friends you've "known" for perhaps only a few years, and yet the connection goes much deeper as if you've known one another forever. <br />
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What is that about? What are these connections? Is there something available to us that too few explore?<br />
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What are your experiences? What are your thoughts?<br />
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<br />Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-23865293657635152302012-08-08T08:14:00.001-07:002012-08-08T08:14:49.385-07:00Trusting What You Don't Know...YetOur second (and last) daughter enrolled in her first semester of college this week; the classes have been chosen, schedule resolved and the credit card has been charged (ugh). Now, having two children in college, I rehearse in my head what I've heard hundreds of friends say through the years... "<i>what with two kids in college and all</i>..." Their reality is now becoming my reality and like them, I know we'll survive, somehow. I not abundantly sure how we'll make it, but I am confident we will (and with the other daughter's wedding coming in May 2013, the adventure is all the more exciting). Sometimes we have to trust what we don't know.<br />
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Looking for creative ways to fund all this excitement, I looked across my office to see the (literally) thousands of books that line one entire wall on the south side of the room. Surely there is a Half-Price Books location that might be willing to build an extra wing to accommodate my collection and give me a $1.25 for the lot! Yes... I'm actually thinking of thinning out my books. I've heard, "Necessity is the mother of invention" or perhaps the enlightenment of the dull.<br />
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All those books have meant many things to me over the past 35 years. Thousands of dollars spent on an ever-increasing collection of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and experience from hundreds and hundreds of other people. That wall of books is an intimidating display of dedication to not only the discipline of writing, but to reading as well. To say those books represent a certain degree of ego definition would not be an overstatement. Every author has ego invested when they venture into the world of publishing (they have to believe they have something to say). But ego saturation is not exclusive to the writer, the reader has it as well. I confess I've previously taken pride in how many things I've read. And honestly, that is a bit messed up!<br />
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Financial ease may not be my only motive for liquidating a few titles. I've been giving thought recently to liquidating my "library" not only to gain some extra cash, but to free my mind and spirit, too.<br />
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Today, there's a book on any subject out there. It's a bit overwhelming, actually. Add to that the power of electronic search engines, and the saturation point of "information about" is just crazy ridiculous.<br />
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The issue with information saturation is that it is easy to forget the importance of trusting what you don't know...yet. All books and websites can do is give you a "formula" (as Anthony De Mello identifies it), a way of thinking or doing based on someone else and their experience. Of course, the thought and experience of another is not completely invaluable, but as soon as we have another person's experience or their "formula" in our consciousness, we are then experiencing something through their filters, not our own. It is conveniently tempting to simply replicate their experience in our context. And honestly, that is a bit messed up!<br />
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Trusting what you don't know...yet, means being willing to walk alone for a while. It means being willing to walk away from everything you've read, and willingly experience something for yourself. I've heard so many people back up their "new ideas" with so much of other people's experiences, I have to wonder if there is truly any originality in the thought. Collective knowledge and experience definitely build on one another, no doubt, but if we aren't willing to step away from the conventions of the known, we will never experience true innovation.<br />
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Walking into the unknown, without the benefit of another person's experience, may be one of the boldest things a human can do. Learning to trust what you don't know...yet, could be the bolder instructor.<br />
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<br />Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-72012899410250078422012-07-23T13:47:00.000-07:002012-07-23T13:47:30.059-07:00Of Dusty Boxes...and suchScrambling around the other day, I stumbled upon something up high in a lofty space; a nearly forgotten space. I had grown weary of this thing some time ago and, thinking I would only put it away for perhaps a season, days rolled into weeks, weeks slipped into years and before I knew it a considerable amount of dust had accumulated there. If someone had thrown it out, I doubt many others would have missed it. Though I would have been the worse for it.<br />
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It is curious how easily we dispatch things in our life. "Outta sight, outta mind," they say. And that is true, to a certain degree. Sometimes things simply get misplaced (like recently when my wife's laptop went AWOL for nearly a week at the foot of our bed under our strewn bedspread). But there are times we intentionally put things away, hoping maybe they'll never be missed and hoping they'll simply stay gone. But when they are important things, things that matter, they have a tenacious tendency for sticking around until we deal with them.<br />
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So, after spending considerable time blowing off the worst of the dust, and then taking a damp cloth to the task (I've always been kind of a neat freak), I opened the box and much to my surprise, what I had quietly tucked away was still waiting for me, much like an old watch who's battery still hasn't given up the fight.<br />
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I guess creativity is hard to kill. It may be as resilient as life itself. We may try packing it away, or using only a small portion of it just to manage along, but creativity doesn't like to remain in lofty, dusty, forgotten spaces. Creativity will wait you out. It won't cater to your fears and insecurities forever. It will patiently wait on you until you return to it.<br />
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There are some reasons I tucked a good part of my creativity away for a while, some of which I may explore here. But for now, the two of us are looking to get reacquainted again, especially when it comes to writing. Perhaps it is best we not create because we think we have something to offer, but rather, we create because we have something we need to receive. <br />
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Here's to opening dusty boxes...<br />
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<br />Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-83667902331130013252010-03-07T15:24:00.000-08:002010-03-07T15:30:18.495-08:00Waiting...Looking at my last post, it has been about a YEAR since I've given this blog any attention at all. It was not without good reason... for just as I don't like to speak simply to hear my head rattle, I definitely don't like writing that way, either.<br /><br />Not sure of ever having anything to write of much substance, I chose to take time away from this venue to simply be quiet. The past year has been a "dry season" for me, but not without a good harvest of thought and process.<br /><br />In a couple of weeks, it will have been a year since writing consistently in this space. Coming back to it may help me navigate where I believe I am going. If you would like to join me... I'd welcome the company.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-35842653756717675362009-03-21T03:44:00.000-07:002009-03-21T05:22:17.928-07:00Ri$kEver since I was a little guy I've not had much trouble being a saver. When I was given money as a gift, I typically resisted the burning in my pocket that cried out for discretionary spending. My Dad took care of that urging the day my allowance stopped when I was about 9 years old. Falling victim to the Ice Cream Man's 8-track tape's siren song yet again, I bought my last allowance funded baseball card/bubble gum packet after Dad's financial advisement was to do otherwise. Dad cut me off the family till that day and I never once again drew another dime of allowance money from his wallet. The irony now being that some of those very cards I bought then are now worth more individually than the sum total of <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> my allowances <span style="font-style: italic;">combined</span>! I probably ought to sell even just one of those cards and give my Dad a really nice gift for the great lesson he taught me that day.<br /><br />While I was always willing to save money for things I wanted from then on, some of that propensity for saving gave way to the lure of credit cards in later life. While I've never been held hostage by revolving credit, I have tended more toward a "buy it now, pay it off at the end of the month" mentality. That can be a little risky but to this day, barring any unforeseen circumstances, there is always satisfaction in seeing a zero balance on those accounts at the end of the month.<br /><br />In more recent years, hitting mid-stride financially has afforded the opportunity at more risky financial ventures. Far, far from venture capitalist status, being able to roll just a few dollars into higher risk opportunities has been an interesting adventure. Not really a business section reader or a stock ticket watcher myself, I tend toward more spiritual interests. Consequently, I've left my higher risk investing to the hands and minds of trusted individuals who actually make their living risking other people's money. Monthly and quarterly statements have provided a thrilling kind of satisfaction in watching my money work for me. Until recent financial times... Now I watch with mouth gaping amazement and wonder if I'll ever see another "+" sign again?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bized.co.uk/images/play_risk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 308px;" src="http://www.bized.co.uk/images/play_risk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now the adage "<span style="font-style: italic;">the higher they rise, the harder they fall</span>" seems to be the cry of the day. The higher the risk profile, apparently the deeper the subsequent losses. One advantage of being my current age is that I <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> have the fortunate opportunity of seeing those numbers bounce back in the next few years. For other more senior risk takers, those who ride the thrill induced side of investing, may not see "whoopee" numbers return again in their lifetime. I feel for those folks. I have thoughts of selling one of those cards to try and help one of them out... but there's not much of a market left for spectacular aged rookie cards these days either.<br /><br />Risk always means the potential for loss. In the last year, the profile for my spiritual investing has been running at a relatively high clip. In my intentions to find God at deeping levels, He has led me to raise the bar in my relationships with others. In doing so, I've discovered a whole new level of risk. Any time we extend ourselves fully (or as fully as humanly possible at the time) there is risk involved. We risk giving something that may not come back, even in a lifetime or more.<br /><br />Somewhere in the relationship markets of life we tend to anticipate a dollar-for-dollar return on our investments. We give "so much" to another individual and we expect "so much" (or maybe even more) in return. In some cases, we're not willing to go any deeper into our personal portfolios if we can't be sure we'll get a good return on our investment. But sometimes it just doesn't work out in a way that we get back what we give.<br /><br />Tennyson once wrote, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most;</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> 'Tis better to have loved and lost; Than never to have loved at all</span>."<br /><br />I have to wonder how many times Tennyson saw the bottom side of that investment portfolio? It only takes once to feel the pain. To love and to not have one's love returned in equal portion (nor even at all) is not a quick-market recovery. To fully invest in love's market means to lay it all on the line at considerable risk. To roll in that market, you have to be willing to go "all-in" and be willing to lay it all on the line.<br /><br />Jesus invests in the same markets. "<span style="font-style: italic;">...who for the joy set before Him...</span>"(Hebrews 12:2) is what is said of how Jesus endured the shame and pain of the cross. While it is perhaps easier to hear those words knowing that His suffering secured the redemption of any soul who is willing to accept Him as Savior, it is not easy to hear those words when we consider all those who simply reject what Christ has done for them -- those who perhaps will never accept His love. The price was paid no less for them. He risked it all first, even when we say "no thanks" and walk away.<br /><br />I'm coming to realize the only way we can ever truly experience the fullest capacities of love is to risk it all for the sake of it. It is likely the greatest risk to give all you are and all you have to someone else. Too often we take much less aggressive risks to assure that at least we have something left to call our own when the bell sounds at the end of relational exchanges and trading -- even if we are rejected. But can we say we have fully loved when we keep something of ourselves out of the relational market?<br /><br />To love like God loves is an all-in risk. We must chance risking with possibly <span style="font-style: italic;">no</span> return on the investment. "<span style="font-style: italic;">For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son...</span>" That is the ultimate investment risk. For those who accept it, it is a risk we are eternally grateful He was willing to take.<br /><br />We will do well when we are willing to risk loving the same way.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-76169004275355025852009-02-27T02:11:00.000-08:002009-02-27T03:19:39.244-08:00How I FeelI've prayed for as long as I can remember. Well into "mid-life" now (okay, more into it than I'd care to admit) I think back on my early days of prayer. "<span style="font-style: italic;">Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless Mommy and Daddy and...</span>" and so it would go. And so it goes?<br /><br />I don't exactly remember when my prayers changed, but they did. My prayers became more direct, less rhythmical and likely less innocent. They were more "mature" to be sure, but left little room to speak praise to the Creator celebrating all the amazing things He has done, is doing or will do and even less room for Him to speak. Too often, my prayers rolled into instant requests ("petition" is the churchy word for it) -- as if I were peeling off some divine shopping list -- I would sit, sometimes kneel, rarely stand... to tell God everything I <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> but rarely, if ever, gave Him room to speak.<br /><br />One day though I heard from <span style="font-style: italic;">Him</span>. It wasn't necessarily a voice as classically defined, but He definitely spoke and our conversations changed again. Now while the words were the same, the movements were different, stronger, better, more passionate... filled with wonder and awe. Then... one day... we spoke differently, still. Rather than me telling God only what I <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> (knowing that He could -- and maybe would -- provide my request)... I told Him how I <span style="font-style: italic;">felt</span>.<br /><br />I waiting to hear from Him again... and I waited some more... and waited still. I waited so long I thought maybe He had forgotten me. I waited and wondered if my <span style="font-style: italic;">feelings</span> had somehow offended Him. Then, one day He spoke again. It was not a "yes" or a "no" about something I wanted (or even needed)... God spoke about how I felt and He mentioned how He felt, too. The experience still brings tears to my eyes because it was so real and so personal. Sharing <span style="font-style: italic;">feelings</span> between the two of us.<br /><br />What is true about prayer I'm finding is true in some of the most important relationships in my life. I can hear what people <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> and I may even be fortunate to hear what they <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span>. But how often do we share how we <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span>? Sharing feelings opens up the deepest places inside us. It lets someone into the chambers of self where we can be most afraid. Places we usually keep locked up and guarded. Rejecting what I want (or even need) is one thing. But rejecting how I <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span>, dismisses the very essence of who I am. It is scary to share how we feel.<br /><br />You can tell me what you <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> and not go very deep with me. You can share what you <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> and we'll get closer once you trust I won't reject you for being honest. But tell me how you <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span> and we begin finding deep relationship. Share with me how you feel and we can experience unimaginable things!<br /><br />Whether in prayer or in the most important relationships of life, it is important to share how we feel. God waits to share relationship - <span style="font-style: italic;">intimacy</span> - with us at every level. There are at least a few people in life who want the same thing with you, but you've got to be willing to risk going there with them.<br /><br />God loves you more than you can imagine. Some people in your life love you more than you can imagine, too. But if you don't trust them with how you really feel, how will you ever really be close?<br /><br />Please... tell me how you feel.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-46141786610221400072009-02-19T17:18:00.000-08:002009-02-19T18:08:23.412-08:00BumpsI ride motorcycles. There is little about riding motorcycles that I don't like, but one thing I can do without are the "bumps." You know... the "bumps" in the road: speedbumps, uneven pavement, frost heave, or any other form of "bumps" -- I find completely annoying. Hit a frost heave at a significant clip and the "fun" really begins.<br /><br />There are plenty of parallels between motorcycling and life. There are enough parallels that were I to include them all here, you'd be clicking to the next blog faster that you will anyway! But at the risk of having you jump in the passing lane and leave this entry behind, I'd like to offer a quick observation.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bayouhighlands.com/uploaded_images/speedBump-717474.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://www.bayouhighlands.com/uploaded_images/speedBump-717474.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If "Life is a Highway" (as suggested by the lyrics of Tom Cochran and sung better (in my opinion) by Rascal Flatts) then it is going to have some bumps, too. And here is the paradox between life and motorcycling. While I generally "hate" the bumps on the bike, I am learning to embrace the bumps of life because the outcome is typically much more reliable than when I am riding.<br /><br />Similar to riding though, it is always wise to cast your vision in life as far down the road as possible. But there are bumps in life we simply can't anticipate and even when we can anticipate them, what we choose to do with the disruption is a function of wisdom and maturity.<br /><br />Today, a portion of my life hit a good sized bump and I realize I'm going to land on both wheels (though maybe not at the same time -- and when it is the front wheel hitting the ground first that's REALLY exciting). The thing I'm trying to remember is to keep the throttle on, adjust to the landing and just keep on riding. It's a bump... and that's life (and riding).Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-46810268712710375932009-01-16T06:58:00.001-08:002009-01-16T21:01:49.396-08:00On PurposeAs popular as Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" has become (I recently heard it has become the greatest selling book of all time other than the Bible) I wonder how many of us are really living "on purpose."<br /><br />It seems from childhood we're oriented away from purposeful living. I can't imagine how many times I did something wrong and then tried to defend myself with the phrase, "But I didn't do it on purpose!" While that never seemed to get me off the hook of trouble, it may have been a telling sign of things to come.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNZtCsmnXyV2NZPV0bypIXsoHWdjgoiGu7vYcQ0jY94-ohH945vK9CDVmTVTy8OjS-dzlYVLFSb5-BM8dLVc5Hr4Uk8EFpcexctw97wC6uAipo74a3xK2ADoUnkXrwAK-d7kb/s1600-h/hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNZtCsmnXyV2NZPV0bypIXsoHWdjgoiGu7vYcQ0jY94-ohH945vK9CDVmTVTy8OjS-dzlYVLFSb5-BM8dLVc5Hr4Uk8EFpcexctw97wC6uAipo74a3xK2ADoUnkXrwAK-d7kb/s200/hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291916831290114210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To live "on purpose" is no easy thing. Consider Rick's book, and the accompanying Purpose Driven Journal, and Purpose Driven Daily Calendar, and the Purpose Driven Night Light (okay, I made that last one up...I think), the purpose of each of those resources is to help people live "on purpose." More than great marketing, the vast selection of "Purpose Driven" products indicates we need tools and resources to live on purpose. We need reminders to live "on purpose" and even if we are reminded to find our purpose and then live it... the bottom line is it requires a bunch of hard work to do it.<br /><br />Life is much easier when lived simply on "cruise control" or "auto pilot." There is little thought required about what we've been or what we're becoming. But living on purpose requires a ton of effort and some much needed resources. One of the things we need to live on purpose is intimacy with the Creator (He is the One who ultimately knows what we're created to be). If we avoid intimacy with the One who made us, then it is much easier to avoid who we really are.<br /><br />Living on purpose also demands personal integrity and honest self-evaluation. Those long stares in the mirror of self-reflection (even actually physically staring into a mirror long enough to deal with yourself is a powerful experience -- for more on this, see my blog entry on Sept. 22, 2008) can be a sobering. Not only taking the inevitable criticism from others, but inviting input from friends and trusted advisers is necessary to see ourselves for who we really are and to be more aware of who and what we're becoming.<br /><br />To have those things in your life are as blessed as they are necessary and sometimes you have to go find them. I've not always been one who sought out critical input, but over the years I've seen myself move from resisting it to actually welcoming and inviting it. I have some of the best friends and confidants ever, who love me enough to be honest about what they see in me and are willing to walk with me toward being better. I have found space in my life that allows me to test who I'm becoming without rejection. All of those things are not only necessary for my life, they have been put there on purpose.<br /><br />Though we all make too many mistakes, when we do make them, there is no need to say, "I didn't do it on purpose." Living a life "on purpose," we acknowledge our mistakes for what they are and then move on purposefully. Not everyone wants to allow us to do that. Some will hang our mistakes over us or never let them go. If that is the case, the burden falls to them to figure out their purpose, not to you. There is only one Judge and we can be assured, it isn't the person that won't let you forget your mistakes, especially those mistakes that were made when trying to live on purpose.<br /><br />Every step we take, good or bad, is one step closer to a life lived on purpose. So keep moving along, my friend... we have lives to live, on purpose!Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-57029536247920916412009-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:002009-01-05T13:39:00.721-08:00ResoluteNew Year's resolutions are highly overrated. Part of the reason is because far too often the burden of fulfilling the resolution falls solely to the individual making the resolution. We resolve on our own what should be or should do and then we are left to make the resolution a reality (often in isolation). Typically, the net result is failure within a matter of days, if not weeks and the guilt of a "broken resolution" is the remnant of great intentions.<br /><br />I'm convinced "commitments" are a better path, especially commitments made in community (with other people). In a community of others we lean on their love and support not only to fulfill a commitment we've made, but we can actually utilize the community's input to discern what the commitment ought to be in the first place. Other people can see who we really are sometimes better than we see ourselves.<br /><br />Left to myself, I'll too often make commitments (or resolutions, New Year's or otherwise) that are simply too comfortable or too easy to attain. For example, if I make a commitment to go to the gym and work out 4 days a week, but I'm already working out 3 days a week, that commitment isn't too big a stretch. Additionally, it won't make a HUGE difference in my physical conditioning (unless I'm an elite athlete) in that one day's absence or presence in the gym.<br /><br />Relationally, spiritually, developmentally... we do the same thing. We take a path of "least resistance" in our personal development and then fall short of what we are fully capable of achieving. How many relationships (friendships, marriages, teams, etc.) stay "stuck" at an immature level because no one pushes for something greater? How many spiritual "giants" never grow into their potential because no one steps into their life and challenges them to greatness? How many skills or gifts go untapped because no one was invited (or had the courage to say something) to support them into reality? We need to be resolute toward something more than resolutions!<br /><br />In community, a group of trusted people can offer input and challenge into life that will yield a HUGE difference in our becoming better people. Of course, trust is a HUGE factor in this process but the overall outcome offers more promise than simply making individual resolutions.<br /><br />For Christ-followers, the addition of God's input in the process of discerning (through prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, fasting, etc.) can yield unimaginable results. What new commitment might be confirmed, supported and then realized into fruition if we shared our commitments with others?<br /><br />This year, I've made a commitment to have "deeper and more meaningful relationship" with people God puts in my proximity. I have a group of people who, I trust and believe, will hold me accountable and help me make progress in that commitment. It isn't easy work, but that is all the more reason why it should occur in community.<br /><br />Rather than "resolving to fail" like I have so many times in the past(some of us may have already "missed the mark" on this New Year's resolutions), perhaps we can "resolve to be resolute" and utilize our faith and our community to advance who we are as people. In community, we will watch ourselves and others grow and change as we become more of what we are capable of being.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-74503273024061496352008-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:002008-11-13T21:32:13.156-08:00Doing Life Together<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.horizoncardsandprints.com/Image%20Gallery/Plant%20Gallery/Fall-Leaves.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.horizoncardsandprints.com/Image%20Gallery/Plant%20Gallery/Fall-Leaves.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Thursday night is usually "small group" night at our house. Tonight was no exception.<br /><br />Arriving with the fatigue of the day close on our heals, we gathered again tonight to spend a little time together, read God's word, share some laughs and perhaps a few tears, too.<br /><br />What an amazing thing "community" is! 10 people (only eight present tonight) from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and yet, sharing one thing in common: Doing Life Together.<br /><br />God lives in "community" (Read Genesis 1 closely and you'll find that God shares community even within Himself) and God has created us to live in community as well. Though silence and solitude have their place in our spiritual development, we are created as communal creatures (in God's image) and it is not surprising we need each other.<br /><br />I am honored to be "doing life together" with the people in the group that meets at our house. They are an amazing gathering of people that can fill a room with laughter and tears in the same hour and I'm always the better for having been together! I hope and pray they are, too.<br /><br />I also hope and pray you have people that you are "doing life together" with as well. Living in community is one of the great blessings of the human existence.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-67438080230224174002008-11-04T00:30:00.000-08:002008-11-04T01:46:51.528-08:00Between Want and NeedWhere is the line between "want" and "need?" It is a curious question to be sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Maslow">Abraham Maslow</a> effectively took a step toward the question when he developed his somewhat famous Hierarchy of Need. Maslow, a "humanist psychologist," principally believed in the potential of the human individual. He proposed that all human beings have ever-increasing opportunity to reach fuller potential within their being. Humanists seek the potential of being a "fully functioning" individual or as Maslow described it, a "self-actualized" person.<br /><br />Often visually presented in the form of a pyramid or triangle, the most basic human needs represent the bottom level of the pyramid and these needs then graduate toward the top until the highest extent of the needs are fulfilled. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sagerave.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/maslow.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 609px;" src="http://sagerave.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/maslow.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The most primitive of Maslow's needs are "physiological needs." These are biological needs consisting of oxygen, food, water and a relatively constant body temperature. These are the fundamental physical needs for sustaining life itself. These would come as first priority in a person's level of satisfaction. As someone who greatly dislikes being cold, I get this concept!<br /><br />The next level involves "safety needs." When basic physiological needs are fulfilled and no longer control active thought or behavior, the needs for security are engaged. Adults have little awareness of their security needs until times of emergency or periods of extended distress or danger. Children on the other hand frequently display this need for security. That's why it is sometimes difficult to rid a child from their "blankie" or their "binky." Feelings of security are important.<br /> <br />With the physiological and safety needs fulfilled, an individual next seeks love, affection and belonging. Maslow suggested people will find some means to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation. This involves both the giving and receiving of love and finding and/or providing a sense of belonging. This is why few people do well in extended isolation. We are creatures who are created in community (God in creation as Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and are meant for community.<br /><br />Following the fulfillment of the first three, the need for esteem becomes prominent. Both self-esteem and affirmation from others helps establish self-respect and a personal sense of value. When these needs are not appropriately met, an individual may exhibit inferiority, weakness, worthlessness, helplessness or various other forms of dysfunction.<br /><br />Finally, when all the foregoing needs are met, according to Maslow the needs for "self-actualization" are empowered. Maslow described "self-actualization" as a person's need to "be" and to "do" what they were created to be and do. A dancer "must" dance, a writer "must" write, or a musician "must" play. Without that opportunity, the individual becomes agitated or restless. They will sense something is lacking in their life. God creates all people "in His image" (Gen. 1:27) and gives them purpose, function and meaning. How we respond to that created "being" is displayed by the things we "do."<br /><br />According to this theory, if something in the first four levels is "missing" in life, it can be relatively easy to determine what the "need" is. If someone is hungry, there are physical symptoms declaring the hunger (hmmm... my stomach just growled reminding me I skipped dinner earlier tonight). If someone is in danger, the mind and body will react accordingly ("fight" or "flight"). If someone is denied affirmation or blessings, it will appear in their general disposition or attitude. But things get much more difficult to define in the "self-actualized" needs.<br /><br />Whether we adhere to Maslow's "Hierarchy of Need" theory or not, one thing stands to reason and Truth... in order to truly "be" who we are meant to be by God's design, we must be "authentic" about who we are.<br /><br />A rich young man once came to Jesus declaring he was basically "self-actualized" (though, of course, Maslow hadn't quite yet arrived on the scene) according to the way he lived by the Law (see Mark 10:17-27). Jesus agreed that he was doing well with the whole human "doing" thing... but when Jesus told the rich young man to sell "everything" and give it to the poor and follow Him... the guy couldn't do it. Jesus words struck at the very heart of the guy's authenticity. The young man's "being" didn't match up to his "doing." The guy left Jesus a very "sad" and "rich" young man.<br /><br />On the other hand, there was a very poor widow woman who came into the temple courts and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling His followers close to Him, Jesus said the widow had "put more into the treasury than all the other" people because she gave all she had to live on (Mark. 12:41-44). There was a woman who's "doing" match up with her "being" quite well.<br /><br />Sometimes the line between "need" and "want" is quite thin. Even in our earthly relationships, we sometimes have difficulty finding the difference. A child really "needs" the attention of her parent and finds she isn't getting much of it. She will declare what she "wants" to ease the loss or attention or she'll act out negatively to find the attention she needs even though the bad behavior it isn't really what she wants.<br /><br />A spouse really "needs" reassurance in their marriage that their spouse is wholly devoted to them, but they are only seem comfortable leaving hints at what they "want out of this relationship" rather than sitting down and confidently sharing what both really "need" from one another. <br /><br />Yes, the line between "want" and "need" is sometimes thin indeed.<br /><br />Perhaps the best way of finding our ourselves between our wants and our needs is to start with simply being purely authentic people. Maybe instead of hoping people will find out what we want, we need to be "authentic" enough with one another to simply confess what we "need." If you're cold, ask for a blanket. If you are scared, ask a good person for a hug. If you feel "left out" of everything, discover the company of a trusted person, and instead of waiting for them to read your mind, maybe you should simply invite them over to spend some time together. <br /><br />If you are feeling lousy about yourself, ask someone you respect to remind you of how much God loves you and what a beautiful person you are because He made you just as He designed you. And if you are struggling with who God created you to be, talk with Him about it. When we come to God honestly and authentically, we discover amazing things about Him and about ourselves as well.<br /><br />Do you want to comment? If so, I need to hear from you if you are willing to share.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-61647946944805868122008-10-23T21:07:00.000-07:002008-10-23T21:08:45.051-07:00ThirstyHave you ever been thirsty? I mean the kind of thirst that you remember like it was yesterday? We’ve all been thirsty, but do you remember that parched, thick tongued aching thirst that simply can’t be ignored? On a long hike turned bad (poor planning on my part) many years ago, I experienced the worst thirst of my life and will never forget it.Have you ever been thirsty? I mean the kind of thirst that you remember like it was yesterday? We’ve all been thirsty, but do you remember that parched, thick tongued aching thirst that simply can’t be ignored? On a long hike turned bad (poor planning on my part) many years ago, I experienced the worst thirst of my life and will never forget it.<br /><br />Maybe you’re thirsty right now. Just the mere mention of water has you looking for the nearest drinking fountain or you’ve already abandoned your computer to go to the kitchen and retrieve a glass of ice cold water. That is not the kind of thirst I’m talking about. But, if you need to go and get some water now, please do. That’s fine, I’ll wait.<br /><br />Welcome back. Tastes good, doesn’t it? Refreshing and welcomed, there is nothing like a good glass of water. Water happens to be my most frequent drink of choice. Trying to avoid the certain gains that come with sugar laden beverages, I drink water most of the time. It isn’t really something I even think much about anymore. A tall, clear glass of water can’t be beat for refreshment and life. I heard recently that to be healthy, the average person should consume 2 ½ quarts of water per day. I’ve got that down, easily!<br /><br />Nothing is much worse than being really thirsty and getting only a little water. You need a 44-ouncer… and you only get a Dixie cup. Oh, it might give you the minimum you need to survive, but being satisfied is nowhere to be found. It might even be torture to be truly thirsty and only get enough to tease the need.<br /><br />Jesus once told a woman, “whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Hearing what Jesus said, the woman replied, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty.” After that, they never spoke again about water. In fact, she left the water jar she was carrying and ran to tell everyone in her town that she had found the Christ (4:29).<br /><br />On that hike, a friend and I found a little spring at a rocky outcropping. It was very shallow and I only hoped it was pure enough to not make me sick, but I had to have water. I cleared a little pool, let some of the sediment and sticks settle and then just stuck my face in the ground and started sucking up water as fast as I could. Spitting out the sticks and maybe a bug or two, I didn’t get enough water, but I did get some.<br /><br />A lot of us are spiritually thirsty enough that we are looking for water. Sometimes we’re content with only sticking our face in the ground and spitting out the sticks. But it’s not enough. Jesus invites us to drink from a well that rises up from within us. It is a “Spirit” thing… and can easily be ignored, while we thirst nonetheless. Religion (or simply going through the motions of faith) won’t get you there. Like trying to satisfy real thirst with a little cup, religion might tease your spirit, but you will never be fully satisfied. Only true relationship with Jesus will ever satisfy the deep thirst within.<br /><br />Are you thirsty? Ask Jesus for some real water…Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-64961522001562711502008-10-21T08:54:00.001-07:002008-10-21T09:39:51.521-07:00Last MeowOver 15 years ago I received <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> phone call from my wife. Not <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that</span> phone call... she'd already given me <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> news 5 months earlier! Pregnant with our second child, my wife found twin Manx/Himalayan kittens that "<span style="font-style: italic;">had to have a home</span>." Somehow, between the strategic planning of mother (grandmother) and adult daughter, our family wound up with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">second</span> cat (we'd already had "Bunkley" for over six years)!<br /><br />Our first daughter had already named them both before I could even get home that day. Ours would be named "Tiger" and Nanny's cat would be named "Buddy."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thewebcat.com/pix/cat_illustration.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.thewebcat.com/pix/cat_illustration.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a> When I did arrive home, I had to admit the little guys were cute and being bred with nothing more than a mere "nub" for a tail made them rather unique. Though I never fully adored Tiger, I didn't mind him too much either.<br /><br />Later, dogs would come and go through the mix of animals in our house... but Tiger was a standard feature who seemed built to last. Now, well over 15 years old, he'd recently begun to have trouble remembering what a cat box is for and after virtually destroying the blessed aroma of our master bedroom suite (not to mention the need to now replace carpet that is less than four years old)... it was time for him to go! Any volunteers? Nope... Dad gets the nod!<br /><br />Therefore, last Friday was not an easy day. I checked online for the closest and most reasonably priced facility to help with our "problem." I've done this routine before (Bunkley's departure was quite emotional for us, too), so it was nothing new to me. But it is never easy to "determine" the final day of a pet's life. Whether chronically ill or just too old to function properly, it is hard to hear the "last meow."<br /><br />Since that day last Friday, I've been thinking much about what it must be like for God to watch the "clock" of our lives tick down to that last second. A friend just lost her step dad yesterday. He fought aggressive cancer for 8 months and passed from this life yesterday at noon. October 20, 2008 was his last day in this place. God knew it all along. The man's family painfully saw it coming and began adjusting to that last breath the moment it was breathed, but still it is understandably difficult for them.<br /><br />I wonder if it is as difficult for God to watch that life clock tick down for someone as it is for us? "<span style="font-style: italic;">All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be</span>" (Psalm 139:16). Even as I write this blog, "Chole" the stray Bichie-Poo (Bichon Poodle mix) we found running behind a friends house a few months ago is laying asleep on my lap, content beyond all apparent measure. We do love our pets, don't we?<br /><br />God loves His children, too. But when we advance beyond this life to one which is better by far (Phil 1:23) surely it is better for all of us. Perhaps it is even for God! Maybe that remedies some of the pain that is left behind in this place and for those of us who have to wait a while longer. I simply don't know...<br /><br />Our house is still recovering from Tiger's misfortune (both aromatically and emotionally). It was weird to decide "today" was the day and that reality still lingers in my mind -- we had to <span style="font-style: italic;">choose</span> what day that would be. It makes me appreciate the Creator all the more... He is amazing and His wisdom to know the "whens and wheres" of our existence is something for which I must bow and give praise.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-70814382214427361552008-09-22T00:24:00.000-07:002008-09-22T01:38:01.119-07:00FragileNot much really scares me. At my age that may sound a bit adolescent, but I don't mean it that way. You'll appreciate that I've always been a "thrill seeking" kind of personality. Adventure sports have always had a strange allure that somehow always seems to draw me in. For me, risk has always been part of the reward. I would not suggest I go looking expressly for danger but when it presents itself, backing down does not tend to be high on my list of choices.<br /><br />I've had my share of "close calls" and walked away from more than I deserved. I've never even been seriously hurt by any of these adventures and would just as soon keep it that way. Some might say if you haven't been seriously hurt by my age, you're probably not going hard enough. I'd challenge that philosophy. Wisdom is often the greater of valor without compromising the adventure. Nevertheless, speed is addictive, heights enthralling, depth and pressure challenging, balance captivating... the list goes on for the things that capture my attention and spirit. And I wonder why...<br /><br />Lately I've been facing an adventure unlike many before. I've been venturing into the depths of who I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> am. Taking that second or third glance in the mirror some mornings to see past the day's beard and the baggy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/Mirrors/3%7E8-x-8-Framed-Mirror-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/Mirrors/3%7E8-x-8-Framed-Mirror-Posters.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> eyelids. Do you ever look deeply into your own eyes? Try it sometime... but don't allow yourself to escape too easily. If you stand there long enough, you'll begin to see and hear things that might look a bit dangerous. Your tendency will likely be to "cut and run," but (if anyone else is in the room, they may think you're weird, but that is part of the fun) I'd encourage you to stick it out a while. We'd rather not be "posers" now, would we?<br /><br />It is ironic, but perhaps those who seek the greatest earthly risks and thrills are really the ones most fragile. One would think it to be the thick skinned, the fool-hearty, the rambunctious who chase dangerous things, but it may just be the opposite. The thinnest crystal resonates the finest tones, but it is also most fragile.<br /><br />The other day my thoughts journeyed to the "edge" of me. Asking oneself, " Of what am I most afraid?" can be a sobering question. In one of those elongated mirrored stare downs, it hit me. "I'm most afraid of me." I'm afraid of having to face the very things I'm most capable of doling out to others. Rejection, abject loss, betrayal... and that's just in the first few blinks of self-reflection. What if I really got serious about this adventure? What then would I find?<br /><br />Riding at high speeds, skimming down the face of waves, climbing rocky faces, swishing down slopes, diving down deep all require certain measures of confidence in one's own abilities. We trust our training and our experience to see us through even the most risky circumstances. But what happens when we run headlong into ourselves... where we can't simply twist the throttle or balance our way through it or reach down deep for that extra bit of "something" we need. What happens when it is simply us and the mirror... what then?<br /><br />What about the occasions we have to trust someone else with the "real" us? What about when we are willing to put our heart into the hands of another (not speaking of a physician here, though the principle may equally apply)? What about when we give up looking out for ourselves first and our own interests first and finally sacrifice everything we have for the benefit of someone else? Let's talk about risk! And what exactly are we afraid of? Well... need I really say?<br /><br />I realized the other day that the thing I'm most afraid of happening to me is the very thing I'm most often guilty of doing or being. It is that great "inadequacy" all of us face eventually if we stare long enough into that mirror. It is the exposure of true self and personal circumspection. Sometimes we cover all that up with makeup or some other disguise. Maybe a brash demeanor or an excessively quiet and reserved disposition or... maybe even "thrill" seeking? Either way... if we look long enough, we'll find that "thing" in all of us... and its fragile.<br /><br />Maybe the greatest thrill is when we're willing to lay our lives out there and allow our greatest vulnerabilities to be realized and exposed. This is the place where speed can't move us away fast enough, climbing never takes us high enough out of its reach, diving is never deep enough to fully submerge from it... because we simply can't escape who we really are deep down inside.<br /><br />So let me encourage you... take a couple extra moments and look into that mirror... step to the "edge" of you... and "go big, or don't go at all." You may be fragile like me, but the real adventure will have just begun!Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25974398.post-60385392470693403922008-08-20T01:24:00.000-07:002008-08-20T02:04:58.033-07:00Frogs, Part Deux2:54am<br /><br />It is not far too unusual to be awakened in the middle of the night (early morning). It has happened to me for years. As something almost like unto a spiritual ritual, at times I receive these "promptings" long before the sun rises from its transversed orbital slumber. It is a call to get out of bed and find the One thing calling me out of my sleepy state.<br /><br />Far too often, I've been encountered in ways that are much more valuable than sleep, so when the prompting arises, I typically heed the call. This morning was no exception.<br /><br />The apparent destination was the back patio. Didn't know why I was being called there in particular, but I was. Rain has been consistently falling since midnight, flashes of lightning and peels of thunder rolling in the distance. On the patio, things are peaceful and still. Seeing the evening's work of those pesky (and somewhat messy) spiders refracting light from a distant source. The frogs are quiet tonight. All is quite still save the droplets of rain falling gently all around.<br /><br />You know when you have that feeling you're being watched? I've had that sensation several times through the years, especially in these earliest of morning calls... but typically the presence of the "watcher" is from somewhere "above." This morning, the watching didn't seem closer in proximity, just different in vantage point. This watcher was close and just behind me rather than from "above."<br /><br />Pulling up a patio chair from the table and simply awaiting any word from my Inviter, I sat still, enjoying one of the coolest night's in many, many weeks. Several minutes passed... then tens of minutes... and still nothing. Being very aware of the presence of Senor Mosquito... as I am something akin to Filet Mignon to that member of the blood-sucking predator family... I was beginning to wonder about tonight's call.<br /><br />Thinking a spot on the patio floor was another arachnid who had turned attention away from web building to human inspecting, I quickly went to turn on the patio light. Humorously finding the impending "spidy" to merely be a "spotty" on the patio floor, I turned to go flip the light back off. That's when the sense of my being watched became abundantly present to my awareness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDm7jy8pGtZeP4aTz9O9XrrAg0fqKHs-dY4Hn9N43mbNVRXfiGDnPMPlJ25SsULtW9Ybyt_CqDRpjaGxamV8zgB-gonYyTGVxt0xMRBmHTqYl7Ga9V5rBJKw148Yeu1cfIPVm/s1600-h/Photo_082008_003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDm7jy8pGtZeP4aTz9O9XrrAg0fqKHs-dY4Hn9N43mbNVRXfiGDnPMPlJ25SsULtW9Ybyt_CqDRpjaGxamV8zgB-gonYyTGVxt0xMRBmHTqYl7Ga9V5rBJKw148Yeu1cfIPVm/s200/Photo_082008_003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236522778208965570" border="0" /></a><br />Enter "Kermit" the tree frog.<br /><br />He'd been enjoying a "frog's eye view" of me since I arriving. There, suctioned onto the window just above my left shoulder, was the coolest looking guy... making his way toward one of those more juicy spiders (more power to him on that menu choice -- dine away, my friend -- one less for me to deal with!!!).<br /><br />The view audience changing roles, he became the viewee now, while I the viewer.<br /><br />What an amazing creature! How I wish I could just hang on a plane of glass by my toes (think of the party entertainment that would be!). Throat "clucking" about twice per second, eyes blinking, legs stretching while making his way higher up the glass (and closer to the eight-legged main course in this earliest of breakfasts). What an amazing creature!<br /><br />Though he made no noise, was this my early morning caller? I sat and watched... wondered... what is the message, Sir? Perhaps none other than mutual appreciation and a sense that we're both being watched by One who is responsible for us both being here. Regardless of the hour, the condition of the weather, whether hungry or full... there is One who is always aware... always watching... always providing... always caring...<br /><br />Regardless of the time of day or night... there is One who loves us all and He may even wake you up in the middle of the night, just to let you know. Just be watchful for the messenger.<br /><br />You, my friend, are deeply loved, all the way down to your suction-cupped toes.Christopher Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098496441461767075noreply@blogger.com2