Happy Thanksgiving to my family, friends, and our military men and women. Have a very good day!
Sent from my iPhone

Scotty, we miss you already.

Scotty, we miss you already.
Scotty is a winner. Last year he won a serious battle with cancer. A new type of cancer arrived recently to do battle with him. Yesterday morning, Scotty was in control of the fight. However, a blood clot took his life suddenly, leaving us in shock. Scotty, you are missed and loved.

This man is a brother in the faith with the love to show for it. Join me in holding his family and friends in prayer.

Blessings . . .

Sent from my iPhone

WHAT IF?

What if?
God wants to give us the desires of our heart. What if God were to ask you this question: What is the one thing you really, really want from me today?

Honestly, I'm still working on what that one thing would be. However, everyday I ask the Divine for help in everything.

Sent from my iPhone

Fwd: james joyce

"There is no heresy or no philosophy which is so abhorrent to the church as a human being."
― James Joyce

Are some people really convinced that folk can be frighten into falling in love with God?

Sent from my iPhone

Just had to share this:

There is nothing more powerful than a faith-filled prayer
-- it has the grace to comfort the soul and the strength to move a mountain. Bonnie Jensen

Sent from my iPhone

A Guest Blog by Joy Wilson—The Medic

As a mama bear, I will defend my cubs to the death. But not this time. My son is jointly responsible for the death of a loving relationship with his partner. Yes, it has become toxic and it seems the only chance for healing is for them to separate. But he isn’t grieving and she is, and so I fight for her – not against my son, but against hopelessness and the danger of her going under for good.
I’m grateful each of them has always trusted me enough to share their version, verdict, and individual voice of truth. They knew at the beginning this was a risky relationship. All previous couplings had been disasters, starting with “in love” and ending with blame and shame. They knew they had negligible communication skills, and were prone to jealousy and selfishness. Yet there is a deep hunger in each of us for a significant other who will forgive our sins, treat us with respect, and love us no matter what. Maybe things would be different this time. Maybe they could grow up together. Maybe didn’t happen.
There’s a romance to a rocky relationship. Drama is the antithesis of complacency, and bad can seem better than boring, especially when world-class wars are followed by laughter and fun. But for this couple, the wars were real, the laughter temporary relief until the next bomb dropped. And last night this wounded woman called from the battlefield, hemorrhaging internally, and I was the medic on hand. Who was right or wrong was irrelevant; saving a soul was.
I have refused to take sides in this conflict, preferring to listen and love. When I perceive a willingness to hear, I offer suggestions and give examples from my own life. But assigning fault isn’t my job, because fault isn’t the issue here. Truth is.
Much of what we think is true, isn’t. What we believe is based on our experience and what other people say. Even personal experiences are inaccurate perceptions of reality, filtered through feelings and viewpoint. Feelings are never right or wrong – they just are, and we have proprietary rights to our opinions. But truth? As my husband, Bud, says, “Just because I believe it doesn’t make it so.”
These young adults have frequently told me what “really” happened, hoping to convince me “I’m right, he/she’s wrong, and whatever he or she told me is wrong.” It would be so easy to quote John 8: 32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” If they would only be willing to listen to each other, truth would either become evident or not as important as respecting their differences compared with being “right”.
Then as I poured out my grief to the One who loves us unconditionally, an insight came to me: “You will know the truth” wasn’t about “what”, but “who”. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” What this precious woman needed more than answers was The Answer, and I sang her to sleep with this song:

 
  Joy Wilson, author
Joy Wilson is the author of Uncensored Prayer: The Spiritual Practice of Wrestling With God and a contributor to Not Alone (both Civitas Press, 2011). She and her husband, Bud, are two life-long hippies. They live in Bartlett, TN, with six cats, two dogs, and no TV. She is part of an eclectic group of Jesus-followers called Outlaw Preachers and has a passion for prison ministry. Also, Joy is an advocate for middle-aged and senior women, and anyone who suffers from depression. Joy’s website is joyleewilson.org and you can contact her at joyleewilson@gmail.com.

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
The Church is not the gatekeeper for Grace. Under the new agreement with God every soul that ever lived and every soul to ever live is saturated in Grace. We did nothing to gain it. We can not do anything to remove it.
Sent from my iPhone

God is so very Good. His heart is not filled with judgment and condemnation.

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING by the churches is important

A note concerning my "TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING" campaign to spur discussion and reflection.  In the campaign, I am offering my take on aspects of the church's doctrines and dogmas.  Brian McLaren is my hero, one of them anyway.  Noteably, I admire his work addressing the same parts of the church's presentation to the world.  The short statements and questions I offer in my campaign are my take on some of the same issues he addresses . . . especially in his book answering the ten most often questions asked of him. 
While I'm at it, I want to give out a note of appreciation. Thank you, Brian, for "taking it on the chin" all these many years as you and others opened the doors to the liberty to question and discuss every little piece of Christianity.  LONG LIVE BRIAN!

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING

First a video in this week's blog. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5OB6UdlR9A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

As the old saying goes, "pictures are worth a thousand words."  Now a question: how might our "popular" interpretation of the Good News numb our spiritual sensibilities?

Sent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
When a believer states one is to direct life only by the Bible is the Bible then elevated to the level of idol?

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
We proudly obsess over the cross, truly a symbol of horrific torture and death. What's wrong with Christianity promoting symbols of His resurrection instead?

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING

We quote, "Thou shall not kill." We practice, "Thou shall not kill; unless in the time of war."

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
"Remembering the Sabbath..." has nothing to do with a day of the week. It is living each day in knowing your unity with the unnamable One.

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING

Sent from my iPhone

We may feel lonely at times. In reality we are never alone. Remember: Where you are God is and all is well.

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
Christ-ianity is not the creation of Christ. His creation is the oneness we share but so often take for granted.

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING

The words " fallen nature of man" are not in The Book. The words "children of God" are found many times.

Sent from my iPhone

God believes in you without reservation.

Sent from my iPhone

TRUTH IN ADVERTIZING
It is completely appropriate to see our church as a modern business enterprise. All the business elements and goals are in use.

Sent from my iPhone

It is erroneous of humankind, made of the Spirit of God, ever separate from God. Humankind, however, is capable of believing in separation from God, and inevitably, living in fear, guilt, shame and consequently suffering because of that false belief.

Sent from my iPhone

Seventy times seven in one day?!!! Really? OMG!

Sent from my iPhone

There is a particular certitude that comes only by direct experience with the Divine.

Sent from my iPhone

Sitting on my sofa watching the evening news and wondering how anyone can love their enemy!?!

Sent from my iPhone

There is one source to All That Is, beyond is only distraction.

Sent from my iPhone

Just try it - for one moment stop thinking about what you believe instead love all that you see.

Sent from my iPhone

I am a very blessed man. And I mean it!

Sent from my iPhone

You know you are in love when what you most want is to be alone with the Presence.

Sent from my iPhone

Introduction of the author of a book soon to be released.

Introduction of the author of a book soon to be released.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_DF88RnO50&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my iPhone

A true religion is all inclusive and leaves room for mystery . . . "I don`t know" is a complete answer.

Sent from my iPhone

I am not given the spirit of fear but the power of a sound mind . . . that is most useful in telling my truth. Yea!

Divine Silence is the seat of all souls. It is ever present and free to everyone.

Sent from my iPhone

All That Is is made of the substance of God, "God stuff."

Sent from my iPhone

What you choose to think about makes all the difference in the world that God loves.

Sent from my iPhone

We all need someone to share our faith, our views of God.

Sent from my iPhone

Time alone will tell . . .

Sent from my iPhone

Want to become "the possible human?"

In time alone with the Eternal One, the original illusion of separation is left in our wake as truth shines as a light in darkness. In receiving enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, individuals must be meditative, contemplative, prayerful, and enter times of resting in God and opening ourselves to experiencing the Presence. In so doing, we open a conduit allowing for an experience of profound knowing and certitude for spiritual guidance and growth. Thus, we step through “the veil” and boldly step into Grace. And in that delicious Grace we open ourselves to the emergence of “the possible human.”

Jesus, our way-shower, was a mystic. We are to be His followers.

Sent from my iPhone

God does not have what we need; God is what we need.

Sent from my iPhone

When immersed in Love I cannot help myself; I must deeply love the unloveable. thetwoagreements.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone

In Spirit there is no place to be and no time to be there.

Sent from my iPhone

Our institutional churches do so many good things. The ordained Church did so many miraculous things.

Sent from my iPhone

Jesus' church practiced an all inclusive love. The apostles began the practice of an exclusive love. Very sad.

Sent from my iPhone

Please tell me what new and different understanding Holy Spirit taught you today. thetwoagreementsblogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone

Jesus was a rebel, revolutionary. As His follower, are you rebelling against your false beliefs of separation and lack?

Sent from my iPhone

No zealot. My spiritual life brings prosperity and peace. I love to share it with others. www.thetwoagrements.blogspot.com

Sent from my iPhone

Our personal inner sanctuary is the most sacred place on earth. Enter it often.

Sent from my iPhone

Following the God that is Spirit (without human form) may challenge many.

Sent from my iPhone

Fall in love with stillness and Silence to become a tree of Lebanon.

Sent from my iPhone

There is no greater religion than seeking truth.

The Silence is the seat of us.

Sent from my iPhone

It is erroneous to conceive of humankind, made of the Spirit of God, ever separated from God. Humankind, however, is capable of believing in separation from God, and inevitably, living in fear, guilt, shame and consequently suffering because of that false belief.

Sent from my iPhone

God believes in you.

God believes in you.

Sent from my iPhone

You life in Spirit

A dynamic spiritual life begins at the end of YOUR comfort zone.

Sent from my iPhone

Are you spiritual? This book will change your life.

Are you spiritual… or religious?  If you are satisfied with your spiritual life as it is, you do not need to read this book.  This new work challenges everyone to rethink the “saint and sinner” doctrine, embracing all humanity regardless of race, gender, religion, and past “sins”.  The book compels you to examine the religious box you’ve been squeezing into, without questioning leaders who have long been put upon a pedestal. 

   Have you accepted religion’s programmed answers as truth, never asking the Spirit for validity of certain ideas?   Is accepting your forefathers’ beliefs causing you to feel as though your true self is held captive, as you persevere to do good and become more like God? Stop this internal battle and move toward peace!  Get ready for a life-changing journey that will refresh your view of God, your self, and your religion.  Thankfully, Jesus identified the Holy Spirit as our Healer, Counselor, Comforter, and Teacher—not “the church”.  Why not attune your personal connection with God and live the happiest, most fulfilling spiritual life possible? 

Many Christians are confused when comparing Jesus’ loving redemption message with opposing Church-dictated rules which claim to create right standing with an angry, judgmental God.  Claiming allegiance to no man, institution, religion, or ideology, The Two Agreements retells the greatest story ever told. This reinterpretation of the gospel, coupled with the Emergent Conversation and quantum science, asks those who love Jesus, the Bible, and the Christian faith-community to revaluate their position. The Two Agreements shines a light on your perfect relationship with the Divine, teaching you how to live freely yet securely in your eternal connection. As you gain new awareness of true salvation, you will experience peace beyond belief. 

The Two Agreements

The great number of ego-centric believers causes one to wonder if heaven is a large enough an accommodation.

Blogspot

We are here to serve the world not to condemn it. Serve it to serve God.
Sent from my iPhone

Affirm-All things are working together for my good. Blessings . . .

You are loved

Before you were born I knew you and loved you . . . ,
Dad

Sent from my iPhone

Indescribable Chris Tomlin

My motivation to write “The Two Agreements”

In the last decade of the 20^th century, a small group of Christian leaders, now known as the Leadership Network, came together by their mutual conviction. They felt that evangelicalism had produced a subculture that was no longer the best possible representation of Christianity. The world that had given birth to North American evangelical institutions in the 1940s through the 1960s had all but disappeared by 1990. Thus, the church desperately needed renovation to respond to Western culture, radically changed since the 1950s.

    This group of believers realized that pushing the same methodologies and outdated worldview would increasingly alienate popular culture and future generations of Christian youth. They even questioned the idea of methodology itself. By the early 1990s, this Leadership Network provided the initial platform to generate more discussions and host conferences. The new discourse adopted the name the Terra Nova Project, and when the Leadership Network later withdrew its support, they became known as Emergent.

 

    The messages of Emergent explain that Christian faith has less to do with doctrinal formulations than with integrity and relationship with God, others, and society. Members of Emergent are sensitive to injustice, oppression, violence, and corruption, and resign themselves to sacrificial living in addressing these social problems. They experience a general dissatisfaction with what the church handed down, and an aversion to hypocrisy. Thus, the Conversation urgently seeks to revisit evangelical slogans and local dogma that no longer communicate or inspire spiritual growth. As they strive to erase any difference between their church life and their everyday life, they share a commitment to mission and a "wait-and-let-God-lead" attitude about the future. Each new church group expresses a preference for inclusiveness, a fondness for the metaphor of spiritual journey, and a growing appreciation for art. Through these approaches to doing church, they hope to recover the spirit of worship that engages the whole person, making it experiential and experimental in its nature.

What excites me the most about the Emergent Conversation is its potential. It possesses power that could trigger a new reformation to rival the changes of the Protestant reformation where Martin Luther's questioning caused changes in the Catholic Church. Emergent also has the ability to affect fundamental changes in spiritual lives around the globe.

    Through joining Emergent, I seek to add my personal story to the Conversation and share an exciting new reinterpretation of God's relationship with mankind. Emergent is open to all voices. My personal story contributes and is relevant, in part, because of my background. As a disillusioned fundamentalist minister, I left the organized religious structure in the 1970s and planted a new church. This church, what we would now identify as an "emerging church", though it has evolved, is still growing and vibrant in the community. Today it seems that my mission of thirty years ago meshes with an Emergent passion for planting new churches.

    At that time, I sought to rediscover the roots of what it means to do church the right way, just as Emergent seeks today. Relying on only my personal resources, I rented a house specifically to conduct "gatherings" in the front rooms and to make my home in the back rooms. My ministry attracted a spiritual family that explored then-unconventional ways of worship such as gospel rock music, comfortable couches and chairs in place of pews, and the absence of set doctrines and dogmas. I felt led to establish a multiplicity of leaders with no bearing on gender or race, as opposed to the traditional hierarchy that was all I had known as a minister. Initially, we only met on Friday nights, and had no traditional Sunday Service until several months later. Having opened our ministry to fellow worshipers as well as the disillusioned and homeless, we soon outgrew the house and moved to a larger building.

    Many years later, in the fall of 1988, I found myself compelled to examine the plan of salvation that my Christian tradition taught me. As I looked deeper, more aspects of my early training underwent examining and questioning from an emerging inner dialogue. Out of the dialogue came a persuasive new meaning of the Gospels, a reinterpretation of Christianity's most beloved story, which I am pleased and excited to share with the Christian community. I anticipate that many parts of this reinterpreted story will be familiar. Yet, for many of you, other things will be startlingly new and different.