Stains and Marks

I used to think that stains were a bad thing. Stains on clothes and stains on carpet; grass and mud stains: not things I particularly liked seeing. And as far as I was concerned, “marks” didn’t trail far behind. Who is happy to come out and see a mark on your car door, giving you a reminder of how uncomfortably cozy we can get in the parking lots of our lives?

But I think I’ve come around on the whole idea. Stains and marks have now taken on a new and refreshing place in my thinking. Looking back, I now have to admit that certain stains and marks have made an indelible, profound impact on my life.

For example, on my last trip to Washington I stood in line for several hours to gaze upon stains left on parchment. Lines formed outside the building and down the block, each of us waiting for an opportunity to carefully examine the loops, streaks and dots written several hundred years ago by our founding fathers. We were not necessarily fascinated by the actual stains inked onto the Declaration of Independence, but rather what they gave evidence of: notice to the world that we turned the corner to a new day. Evidence of a stake being placed in the ground. A proclamation of a new direction with new ideas and new ideals. Yes, I have to admit, these particular stains on this particular piece of paper are mighty important to me.

I think about the stains and marks of my spiritual life, and how G_d has used stains and marks to forever change the world.

*** I imagine G_d using his finger to inscribe His marks onto two stone tablets, demonstrating, in a very physical and powerful way, His everlasting covenant of love and faithfulness. Ex. 31:18. Marks etched and cut into stone, never to be erased.

*** I think about the unnamed men who lifted and removed a bare wooden cross from the ground. What thoughts crossed their hearts as they looked at the wood, and touched the stains of blood shed by our Savior?

*** I read about the first consecration of our Lord’s tabernacle and altar, and that of Aaron and our first priests. Ex. 29 & 30. I picture the sacrificial blood placed upon the ears, fingers and toes of Aaron and his sons; the sprinkles of blood thrown against the sides of the altar; and the oil anointed upon the acacia wood of the ark of the covenant and the altar of incense. How pure and treasured were each of the stains left during this consecration?

*** I see workers crafting curtains of linen and yarn, and others making upright frames of acacia wood. I see the workers lifting these curtains and frames, and carefully putting everything into place, all contributing to build His tabernacle. Ex. 36. And I remember 40 years ago, as my father’s hands fixed the broken door of our home; and these last 40 nights, as my wife’s hands knitted a cap for a woman stricken with cancer and a blanket for an unwed teen, pregnant and the victim of assault. How precious are the unseen stains left by the moisture of these workers’ hands?

*** I yearn to see the stains on the remains of a cloth of linen, where it is said it was used to wrap the beaten and broken body of Jesus the Christ. Whether on this linen or one long gone, could anyone ever say those stains were dirty? Could I ever overestimate their importance?

*** I feel for Thomas’ heart as he declared disbelief until he could “see the nail marks in his hands.”  Jn. 20:25. I am reminded of my doubts in times of tragedies, hurts and confusion, and my cry to see the marks of healing.

*** I hope that I, like Paul before me, also bear the marks of Jesus, so that others may see the reason for my peace. Gal. 6:17.

A few weeks ago, Pastor Scott spoke about how excruciatingly close we were to securing a new church home, but could not announce the “deal was done” until he “saw the ink on the page.” Negotiations were in their final stage, and it certainly appeared to all involved that it was going to happen. Yet, it was not to be until G_d was ready to allow the stain of ink to be placed upon a contract. How interesting that we waited and hoped for yet another collection of stains.

For years, he and we have been filled with hope and expectation that someday G_d would provide a permanent place for our church family to worship, learn, serve and rest. For weeks, Pastor Scott spoke of a new day on the horizon. We were nearing a new crossroad on our collective journey, and were ready to walk the good way that had been laid before us on the ancient paths. Jer. 6:16. Well . . . the day came. This past week, Pastor Scott announced that a lease for our new church home was signed. On a sunny day in September of the 2011th year of our Lord, with pens in hands, our representatives inscribed their signatures, and the stains of ink marked a turning point in the life of our congregation. For us, these stains marked our very own stake in the ground. Our proclamation of a new direction, faithful to our Lord’s ideas and ideals. Praise be to G_d, the author of our proclamation! The cause for our celebration!

This process has caused me to more fully appreciate how G_d has used stains and marks to signify and memorialize certain turning points in our lives. And though we do not worship the stains themselves, we follow the pattern of our Lord, using stains and marks to evidence the significant. A citizen marking a card in a voting booth, wanting his voice to be heard. A student turning in an entrance exam, hoping the stains left by her pen open up the door of a new career.

In the months to follow, workers will build and renovate our new home, and our imaginations will fill with the possibilities of new blessings. On behalf of my family, I thank the many souls who prayed, planned, spoke, drew, walked, talked, calculated, negotiated and dreamed about this new home. Each of you has left an indelible mark upon the heart of my family. Not all of these stains and marks can be seen, and the passage of time will inevitably take some of them away from our conscious thought. And though we may not again think about the inked signatures on a contract that will be stored and locked away, may we never forget it was His faithfulness and blessing that allowed the stains to occur. May this crossroad of our church family be marked with abundant and indescribable blessing, and may we continue to walk the good way.

Shema

Walking the Commoner's Way

So, what do you think Joash and Zabdi were doing about 3,000 years ago? You know . . . these were guys with fairly typical families; Joash worked in the olive oil business and Zabdi labored in the vineyards. What do you remember about them? What was the primary issue on their minds? Basically, what do you remember about what was going on in their lives?

Or how about Jehdeiah, the donkey keeper? Or Obil, camel custodian extraordinaire? Either one stand out in your mind?

What, you haven’t heard of any of these people?  

Not to worry! While none of these names were particularly unusual in the 900-950 BC era, I’m betting these people are not high on anyone’s recognition meter.  And though these particular people are mentioned in 1Chron 28, we’re really not told much about them or what they thought or felt about things. I’m guessing they were fairly normal guys, pretty much like my buddy the printer, or my friend the coffee shop manager, or the salesman I’ve come to know and love. You know, common, every day people just trying to get by.

Yet, around the year 950 B.C., right in the midst of all of these common folk, a major event was being planned and carried out. Officials and experts gathered before the king, and began work on would ultimately become their long-awaited place of worship. Weights and measurements were made, building plans were drawn, and detailed specifications were reviewed and tweaked.  G_d’s plan for His chosen people finally took root, and the Hebrew people would finally have the permanent temple they had long prayed for.

Insofar as your memory goes, the story of the temple construction is probably a bit more familiar than the lives of Zabdi and Obil. After all, camel custodians just didn’t get much print space in the Bible. In contrast, the Biblical books of First Kings and First Chronicles meticulously describe the construction plans G_d gave to King David, and the care and attention to detail that King Solomon and others expended to construct the temple that G_d had them build. 

We do not get to read about the details of the daily lives of those scores of people NOT involved in the planning and building of the temple. Nevertheless, we can be reasonably sure that they lived lives relatively similar to ours. Normal people, working hard, doing their best to enjoy life and raise healthy, happy families. People like Joash and his olive oil, and Jehdeiah and his grapes . . . others with common names like Sacar, Petullethal and Zadok. A man named Jeriah is written to have had “2,700 relatives, who were able men and heads of families”, yet we don’t know any particulars about them. 1Chron. 26:32. Who were these men and women? How many children did each one have? What sicknesses did they face? Were any worried about the boy down the street paying too much attention to their daughter? How much attention did they pay to this great construction event that was happening?

This past week I was privileged to have met with several “able men” and review preliminary plans, drawings and specifications for the proposed construction improvements to the Cowcatchers Restaurant. As you know, a great event is upon us. It certainly seems at this point that G_d will be providing a permanent place of worship for the Riverside Community Church, and is guiding those people He chose to design and build our long-awaited permanent place of worship. Similar to what is described in 1Kings and 1Chronicles, as you read this blog people are meeting, negotiating, measuring, calculating and drawing plans and specs to convert the Cowcatchers Restaurant into a holy place of worship.  We anticipate, hope and pray that we will be moving into our new home by the end of this summer. Thanks to our Lord, all seems to be running according to plan.

The follow-up thought that jumped out at me, however, is what are all the rest of us supposed to be doing while this planning and construction is going on? I’m not a construction guy . . . I have no clue about the difference between dimensional tolerance and pressure differential. Heck . . . I just learned what a “leach field” is! So what does G_d want people like you and me to do while this architecture, engineering, and construction stuff is going on?

We don’t get to read many stories in the Bible about the common man’s experience during the temple construction period. Yet, we know there were many common folk out there. It's a safe bet that during the seven-year period of construction, people not involved the actual construction project presumably went about their normal lives. I love the verse in 1Kings 4:20: the “people of Judah and Israel” “ate, drank and they were happy.” Personally, I find no problem with eating and drinking. I tend to do those things relatively well. But, is that it? Is that all I need to do? First Chronicles offers a hint . . . Before King David died and before King Solomon began construction, it is said that all of the Hebrew people willingly gave of their possessions and sacrifices, and “ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord” (1Chron 29: 17b & 22).

Ah-hah! Sacrificing, praying, giving, and living “in the presence of the Lord!” Though you and I and others may not be gifted with construction-related know-how, we DO have a role in this project! Please do not let the silence in not hearing a hammer or not seeing a bulldozer lull you to sleep about this project. Riverside needs you and me NOW! Our prayers and sacrifices are welcome! Living daily “in the presence of the Lord” is not only welcome but needed! Indeed, the Bible is clear that ALL of the people’s way of life was a key component to G_d’s blessing of the temple construction project.

So, come one, come all! A deal with the bank is under final negotiations and about to close, and construction is about to begin!!! Let us ALL join in the fun! This summer, give what you can through prayer and sacrifice, and do so “willingly and with honest intent” (1Chron 29: 17). And though neither your name nor mine will be listed in the historical written chronicle of those who helped design, plan, negotiate and build the Riverside holy place of worship, we can take great comfort in knowing that our Lord will always know the intent of the “commoners’” hearts.  And really . . . what can be better than that?

Shema

Fish Sandwiches and a Bunch of Gosintas

This is not the easiest writing I will have done. By necessity, I will have to delve into an area I’m not particularly attracted to and some of you have every right to laugh and wonder how families continue to function with people like me at the helm. I’m supposed to be the leader of my family but sometimes my brain just doesn’t function like it should! And the paradox is, I know people like me could not get along without all of you “other kind” of people. Fact is, people like me need people like you.

A big issue currently in Kingdom Campus world is numbers, and so this should be a post about accounting, cost estimates and finance. But, me writing about numbers would be like Snoopy writing about electromagnetic induction and nucleosynthesis. Funny perhaps, but not particularly enlightening. So allow me to approach this a bit differently.

In my last post here, I attempted to describe the mysterious experience we recently undertook in envisioning “what could be” in our new church home. The old Cowcatcher Restaurant is just like any other potential church home in that it will require modification in order to accommodate our needs. People risked walking through this potential home to envision how their different ministries could fit and function within the building. In my book, this was a “risky” endeavour because walking through rooms and allowing their hearts to envision “what could be” exposed each of them (and all of us) to potential disappointment. I’m happy to report here that each of the faithful returned from the journey intact, and we did not lose a soul!

Since then, experts have been putting pencil to paper, doing their “gosintas” (for the “youngins” in our family, this is a Beverly Hillbillies/Jethro Bodine word for arithmetic (2 “goes-in-to” 8, 4 times)), and came up with an estimated cost for each suggested/desired change. They even split things up in “phases” of development (this amount of money needed for Phase 1; this for Phase 2; etc.). Pretty cool watching these “other” kind of people work. One reaction I had, however, was “Wow!” Once again, the reality of a big, monstrous, thick, solid green wall called MONEY threatens to hold back progress! Since we’re not being called to fight pagan communities and take their silver, gold and cows, where do we go from here?

A couple of Sundays ago, Steven Mackey gave a powerful message of how G_d will take something seemingly small and plainly not enough to create the unimaginable. We were all inspired by Steven’s teaching of the story of Jesus’ transformation of five loaves and two fish to feed the masses. As Steven taught, Jesus first tested his follower Philip by asking how 5000+ people were going to be fed. Philip gave one of my typical deer-in-the-headlight responses, “duh, not really sure.” Follower Andrew then pointed out to Jesus a boy with loaves and fish, but then questioned how so many could be fed with so little. I can almost hear him say to Jesus, “It’s all we have.”

As I focused on Steven’s teaching, I pondered how often I’ve questioned how the seemingly impossible could possibly happen. Suddenly, a new thought occurred to me; a revelation, if you will. Always before, I pictured the story of loaves and fish basically to be about two things: human doubt on one side, and G_d’s power and benevolence on the other. For the first time, I saw a third player in this drama.

Never before had I focused on why Andrew pointed out to Jesus that the child had food. It just never before occurred to me to ask. In all the times I’ve read and listened to sermons about this story, I always just smiled with bemusement about how dumb these guys must be to still doubt the King of Everything after they’ve given up their day jobs and left home to follow Him all over the countryside, seen miracles (can you imagine witnessing the water to wine conversion, or a blind man given sight??), and in what I consider to be one of the most envious positions of all mankind, being able to sit and listen to Jesus every night by a campfire.

But not this time. Steven’s teaching spurred me to wander into a different arena of thought and see a third aspect of this story. When Andrew recognized the limited amount of available food and pointed out the boy and his pittance to Jesus, was Andrew driven at that point only by doubt? I always thought so before. Is that all I’m supposed to take from Andrew’s reaction? Or was there something else that danced within Andrew’s spirit?

If Andrew completely, wholly, 100% believed that the boy’s loaves and fish would not be enough to feed the masses, why point them out to Jesus in the first place? I wouldn’t. I’d probably tell the boy, “thanks, but no thanks kid; 5 loaves and 2 fish doesn’t “gosinta” 5000.” In fact, the Bible tells of disciples doing just that in other situations. How many times did disciples tell people to back off and leave the master alone? Could it be this time, however, that dancing within Andrew’s spirit was something that actually pushed him to tell Jesus about the boy? A tinge of hope, maybe?

Yup, that’s right . . . hope. That intangible, feel-good, invisible thing we have no idea what to do with. Frankly, the word hope is one of those things that makes me feel good, but as a practical matter I sometimes have no “earthly” idea what to do with. I remember the movie “Hope Floats” and relate immediately . . . hope floats around in such a way that it seems darn hard to hold on to.

In any event, two Sundays ago it occurred to me that there may have been a part of Andrew that hoped. His may not have been just a picture of doubt. No, I’m thinking that deep in the middle of his doubt that 5 loaves and 2 fish couldn’t possibly feed that many people, the Holy Spirit whispered hope into Andrew’s heart and nudged him to tell Jesus about the boy. You know, just in case Jesus could do something with it. And then, well, Jesus spoke, and it was done.

The Home Committee recently met and reviewed proposed modifications to Cowcatchers and the experts’ gosintas. “Remarkably” (you know, that “miraculous” thing popping again), this site, with modifications, can accommodate our basic needs. The site offers an interesting uniqueness and would require getting used to, but then again, doesn’t that match us? The pragmatic part of our Committee (you know, those “other” kind of people) reminded us to prioritize needs against available funds, and since our family doesn’t have millions of dollars oozing out of our coffers, cash on hand, anticipated revenue, available financing, and other “gosinta” issues abound. Construction options must be considered (i.e., what modifications are needed now versus later). And then we factor in what modifications we think the owner of the property should pay for. Basically (especially to people like me), it boils down to what can we get with what we “have.” A key question: Will “all we have” be enough? Hmmmmm, I’m guessing you’re in the middle of this, aren’t you Holy Spirit?

I believe that our church is in the midst of working through an interesting quandary. On the optimistic, happy side, we’re invited to lease a space that could fulfill our short-term needs and give us a 7-day-a-week place to hang our hat and see what beautiful things the Lord can do for His faithful. Soooooo, where’s the quandary?? Different issues: being good stewards with limited available funds; considering options of obtaining needed additional funds; potential financing options; deciding how much we should spend now if G_d only wants us here a couple of years; to what extent does this site address our family’s short-term needs; will spending a lot now effectively limit our options to choose a different long-term home; how does Cowcatchers fit in the long-term plan?

Clearly, the big green MONEY monster is staring us down. What’s the right choice?

This past week, the Pastor’s Council met, considered all alternatives, and voted to pursue negotiations to lease Cowcatchers for two years, with an option to extend and/or purchase. These negotiations will start this week. Many factors will affect the success of the negotiations, so prayer should be on all of our agendas these next two weeks. In the world of “it’s all we have,” however, let’s remember that hope comes alive.

This past Sunday, I wrote down at least five times where Pastor Scott mentioned hope. Though not the primary theme of his sermon, he was apparently nudged to say the word numerous times. And for those in our church family who are macho or may be thinking this is a mushy, sweet, feel-good concept, please consider Hebrews 6:19, where hope is described as an “anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” An “anchor”: solid enough to hold us from drifting away; solid enough to keep us in a place that’s safe. Also remember Steven Mackey’s teaching on Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of G_d’s plans to give us not only a future, but “a hope.”

Yes, I believe hope spoke into Andrew’s heart that late afternoon, and I believe that the Holy Spirit is whispering hope to us today. Hope that even though “all we have” does not seem near enough, G_d has a plan. Hope that fish sandwiches will become aplenty in our house, and that the unimaginable becomes our reality.

As surely as the Lord lives, He will give an answer to His faithful. And perhaps, the answer may be staring at us in the face. Indeed, our conundrum can be considered a blessing, and one to give thanks for. We could be drifting on the street, wondering where our next meal will come from. I pray that our leaders and financial, real estate, construction and engineering experts be blessed this week as they continue to move forward with their gosintas and begin serious negotiations. And in addition, and perhaps more importantly, that we and they listen to His whisper of hope, for that is an anchor to grab hold of!

Shema

Eight Days Not Enough

Step by step, I moved as slowly and quietly as I could. The darkness and silence of night surrounded me. Hoping upon hope for whatever was to come, my heart was pounding so hard it was about to bust a seam. “Was I too early? Is it too soon to get excited?” Isn’t it funny that life moments sometime bring your senses to a higher level, yet we hesitate to show emotion? Call it caution, wisdom, prudence or whatever, we learn to hold back even though inside we want to scream, laugh or jump for joy.

With darkness all around, I slowly and cautiously raised my Man From U.N.C.L.E. special spy flashlight. It was made for such a time as this. I clicked on the light, and there it was. Gloriously shining, it was nothing less than truly MAGNIFICENT!! and unlike anything I could have imagined. Twenty-four inch silver spoke wheels . . . white banana seat . . . bright-green sparkly colored frame (you know, the kind that looks like glitter) . . . and long high rise handle bars. Wow! Could it really be true?? Could this be for me? Surely my brothers had their own presents left nearby. After all, they already had bikes! With parents still asleep, I was doing all I could to hold back and keep from laughing out in pure joy.

Never will forget that moment. Ranks up there in the top 20, for sure. It reminds me, however, that even though moments come around that cause our insides to do backflips, the older we get the more often a part of us holds us back. We want to jump up and down and all around, but realize it wouldn’t be “sensible.” You know, that whole thing called wisdom everyone talks about. Being cautious . . . not counting chickens if all you see is a bunch of eggs. As we painfully learn along our path, sometimes disappointment carries a heavy hammer.

What does all of this have to do with our search for our Kingdom Campus, you may ask? Well, in my view, a whole bunch. This past week, some of our beloved brothers and sisters took a tour of a place on Bulverde Road that used to house the Cowcatcher’s Restaurant. Unlike other site visits, however, this visit carried a lot more potential. Hope and tingly feelings danced through hearts. Not too long ago, the bank which owns the site decided to not lease the building, and was instead going to put it up for sale. That was disappointing news, as we were considering it for lease and it seemed to hold so much promise for our needs. But then, miraculously (those still happen, right???) the bank “unexplainably” switched positions and said it would entertain an offer from us to lease under terms that could be just what we were looking for.

The building needs some changes if the Lord wants to convert it from selling beef to saving souls. So, this past week representatives of Riverside’s ministries and staff gathered at the site to walk through and analyze more intently what changes would be needed to conform it to our needs. The sensible questions: Would this place work for us, and how much would it cost? As construction and architectural experts listened to different people describe their vision of what could be, it became more and more clear that this place might be a good fit: a perfect place for our nursery; places for our children and youth to gather; classrooms to meet and learn; a room that could be converted to a sanctuary for music and worship. Could it be, Lord, that you are giving us a home where we can gather seven days a week? Dare we get excited too soon?

In the midst of exploration, vision and analysis, one thing particularly fascinating happened. If one was to stop and notice, there was a restrained excitement bubbling up and through each person. As each person slowly moved about, prayed and allowed themselves to express the vision of what was needed, it was evident people wanted to get excited, but were hesitant to bust loose.

As a practical matter, the place looks like it might work perfectly for our short-term needs. Though we still have not worked out all of the cost aspects, both us and the bank seem to be headed in the right direction.

But we’re supposed to be cautious until it’s a done deal, right? “No one get too excited too soon . . . that would not be wise at all!” Well, I hate to throw a wrench in common wisdom, but do we really have to be so restrained? I wonder sometimes if G_d sits back and knows we are bubbling inside about a particular moment He gives us, yet sees us struggle with caution and fear of disappointment. I wonder if sometimes He wants us to laugh out loud and dance, regardless of whether things are still uncertain and regardless if we know what the outcome will be, simply because we know G_d is giving us wonderful possibilities and will undoubtedly be there to love on us no matter the outcome. After their return from exile in Bablyon, but before restoration of their home and “fortunes,” I love that the people’s “mouths were filled with laughter” and “tongues with songs of joy.” Ps. 126:2.

This week, the Home Committee is evaluating the cost of conversion, and its finding and recommendation will be given to the Pastor’s Council. Ultimately, it appears we will be negotiating for the bank to fund this cost, and keep our expense down to a minimum. Please pray that this analysis and negotiation goes as G_d would want.

The Beatles once sang of a love so deep that “eight days a week” would not be enough to show they cared. The thought of what G_d would do for and through us seven days a week in a church home is enough to shake us at our core. But because this is not yet a “done deal,” some will understandably be hesitant to get too excited. Me? I’m laughing out loud!

Regardless of the outcome of the “Cowcatchers” site, G_d has been unbelievably loving in showing us He cares. Thank you, Lord, for showing us the possibility of what can be. We know and appreciate so much that you will always be there on the other side of disappointment. We know and appreciate so much that your love has and will continue to be like beautiful flowers flowing and falling over the side of a basket.

♫“Ain’t got nothin but love, babe. Eight days a week.”♫

Shema

Calling the Nondescript

A few months ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to a small group of men. Not unlike many other small groups of men who meet weekly, this was a group of fathers and husbands trying to come closer to what G_d wanted them to be. One early morning, they were urged unexpectedly and strongly to move in a direction different from all other morning discussions. They each felt moved it was time again for Riverside to actively seek a permanent home. Their first move was to call and meet with their pastor. Realizing they are a fairly nondescript group of men, they described what happened to them, and humbly suggested that perhaps it was time again for G_d to move us to a different home.

Pastor Scott indicated he too had been feeling it was time, and blessed them to create a “Home Committee” for the purpose of exploring anew the possibilities for a permanent home. Additional men were added, and ultimately the Committee consisted of a cross section of men from Riverside. Several men in Riverside leadership positions joined, as did professionals in the real estate and construction industries. Importantly, each member has been convicted that they must always try earnestly to do nothing unless they feel it is in accordance with G_d’s will. Col. 1:9.

Initially, the Committee was created to explore potential sites for Riverside’s long-term permanent earthly home. But their mission quickly expanded. During the few weeks the Committee was being formed, several issues arose with respect to Emerald Rainbow, causing the need for immediate re-evaluation of our short-term situation. So, the discussion became two-fold: what does G_d want for our long-term home, and how does He want to solve our short-term situation? Is there one site waiting somewhere to address both needs? Or, are we to travel to and rest in another “middle space” until we are moved to a long-term home?

During the last two months, the Committee has been active. Members have met numerous times; there have been visits to different sites; experts in the real estate and financial sectors have been consulted; there has been financial analysis of our situation. And certainly most importantly, there has been prayer.

Various considerations have demanded attention: cost; Riverside’s ministries (including the education of our children and our missional work here and abroad); site location; required amenities; flexibility; and messages received through prayer now and long ago.

Through the course of this process, several potential sites have been considered for short and/or long-term residency. These include the newly established Lost Mission complex near Anhalt; the site formerly occupied by the Cowcatcher’s Restaurant; local schools; the HEB site soon to be vacated on hwy. 46; a 16-acre plot of raw land behind the Emerald Rainbow; and numerous others. The Home Committee has worked with Pastor Scott, Riverside’s Pastor’s Council, and its Finance Committee. Recently, the Home Committee recommended to Pastor Scott and his Council that it consider a short-term lease. The specifics of this and other recent activity will be posted later in this blog.

Important, however, is first giving thanks to G_d for His encouragement, counsel and blessing. Clearly, without Him we would all be lost. Before focusing on the details of what is going on with this site or that, let us never forget to rest in thankful bliss at His never-ending grace. Thank you, O G_d, Creator of the Universe! May we never forget whose we are. May we continue to be blessed by your guidance and sustenance.

Shema

Reflection

These pages have sat quietly for over two years. Words first written in April 2007 and through November 08 have since rested silently. And perhaps in no small part they have been bearing the “feelings of disappointment” expressed in the January 08 posting below.
Having written these words, the family of Riverside Community Church earnestly tried for several years to find their earthly home. Worshiping in a school (interestingly, inside a place for children), our family wondered where G_d would lead us next. But it was not yet time for a permanent home. Instead, G_d would give us a rainbow.

As we all know, our family came upon a different place to rest for a time . . . a place called Emerald Rainbow. Now, looking back, this seems to be part of the “middle space” described below in the fall of 07; the middle space between our time in a school house, and home.
And so, our family rested. And waited. And were graced along the way with patience and appreciation and love. Sadly, some felt led to leave. Yet others arrived, and through time our family grew in heart and faith.

Several years later, G_d’s gentle urgings stirred the hearts of several, and people’s hearts and minds and hands and feet began to move again. Moving forward to find our next resting place. Moving forward to see what next G_d has planned for us. Moving forward to perhaps find our earthly home. The account of this part of our journey will be described here in future posts, but in moving forward, it seems worthwhile to not forget the message of yesterday. For it was theologian and philosopher Kierkagaard who said that life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward.
As expressed in previous posts within this blog, years ago many prayed and toiled to find Riverside’s permanent earthly home. And what we see below in the words of 07 and 08 are fascinating messages received by those in prayer of what our permanent home would ultimately look like. Images of a “city on a hill” and “elevation on property.” Images of a home “adjacent to Hwy. 281,” in the “midst of a chaotic world”; a place near the back yard of the school house where we rested at the time.
Trying to understand, we asked then what we ask today: what did those messages mean, G_d? Were they merely metaphors for the spiritual impact we were to have on the community? Were they descriptions of actual buildings on an actual plot of land, similar to the temples and churches your disciples worshipped in before and after Jesus’ time on earth? What were you telling us through those messages?
We excitedly continue our journey with an eye on the past, a hope for our future, and with obedience and thanksgiving for today. What do you have in store for us, Lord Jesus? Where will we go from here?

Shema

It feels like so much has happened in a short amount of time. After all the prayer and conversation, here's is how G-d seems to have sorted things out.

It might be a good idea to begin by reminding everyone that there may be prayers that you should never pray. Prayers for patience are usually met with long lines, lost phone, numbers, extra commas, and alarm clocks that don't go off. Prayers for courage met with hilarious moments like realizing you are genuinely afraid of clowns as they drive down the highway on the way to frighten children at their fifth birthday party.

So we wildly continue to pray..."Make us a church only you could build."

So far this has meant twists and turns that have been incredible and reshaping.

First a quick follow up on the last four leads we chased. The first was the 7 acres that John owned. It sold, door closed. The second lead was the old Singing Hills property. This entire development is on hold. Third was the the twelve acres. This idea never seemed to gel at all. At this point along with many others projects in the present economy not much else is taking shape on the development front. Finally, the River side spot has not surfaced either although there are a few options that remian possibilities.

And so there we were without any real possibility. Feeling as if we had been somehow obedient to a fault. Then Jamie finally made the phone call that lead to a conversation with Rebecca.

Until the phone call we had prayer as our only rudder. We had asked for people near and far to pray on our behalf, gathered all the reponses over time, and noticed specifics among generally encouraging words.

The specific things came in groups. Strange Groups. One was a group of prayers that at some point mentioned the building being on a hill. While somewhat directionally helpful, we live in the Hill Country, so the odds were good.

Another was how the building was "very close", or "in our back yard." The back yard phrase was used enough to motivate me to stand in my back yard and try and see something I hadn't seen before. This only lead to watching deer and feeling like an idiot.

The third clearly distinctive group did not encourage my manliness but was a deeply biblical image. This was the image of a Rainbow.

So we looked for Rainbows. We waited to see a building we hadn't seen before on a hill, and increased continually the area we defined as our "back yard."

Months passed. Then Jamie called.

Rebecca and her husband Sean were opening a new business and had finally been able to get close to opening the doors. She asked Jamie to pray partly because they had felt compelled in prayer to be closed on Sunday for family and worship. She knew it was crazy but really felt G-d's leading. Then she said "We were hoping maybe a church could meet there on Sunday."

The business is located directly behind our present worship space in Spring Branch Middle School. It is on top of the hill. It's called the Emerald Rainbow Family Fun Center.

We will need to leave the school after Christmas. (Which will again be at Anhalt Hall) We are presently working out all the details. Some more creative than others.

The truth is the ER as it is affectionately known by the staff is not ideal. But, we are sure we are called to move there.

No doubt we will come to understand as we follow. By the way the name "Emerald Rainbow" comes from Revelation 4. Take a look...

"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne."
-Rev. 4:1-3