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
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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
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
Friday, January 7, 2011
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
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
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