Archive for September 6th, 2005
Encouragment
Got this email today:
Hey Grant & Rowland (I mean, Dudes … sorry),Yesterday was a really special service. Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider how to present the discipline of prayer.
Grant, I really appreciated your honesty re: the struggles you have in prayer and in your time with the Lord. This hit home with me. It helped to put some words to one thing in particular that I struggle with in my prayer life.
Rowland, the extended time for prayer/reflection was a critical piece of the service. I’m so glad we didn’t have some really good instruction and then leave w/o an opportunity to reflect and put it into practice.
What a neat email. Especially given how we structured the service and really asked folks to engage outside their comfort zones.
I shared some disconnected thoughts on prayer then just invited us all to just do it. There really isn’t a lot to learn. Just do it.
So we had a prayer canvas station, a letters to God table, a Katrina table, the front steps were covered with bread and juice cups for communion while prayers of saints were scrolling on power point.
We just gave space for people to connect with God. It is was rich.
Katrina – I’m ok
Cool concept. I don’t know how helpful this will be – seeing that most of the region doesn’t have power.
But I love the idea. Spread the word.
Ice cream cake from Baskin-Robbins – chocolate chip – with magic candles that don’t blow out. That was quite funny.
The finished product – a pink french poodle name Poodle with a silver sparkle outfit, cellphone, and microphone.
In exchange for the passy – we go to “Build-A-Bear.” What a cool place for a kid. Here Cayden is stuffing her new stuff dog…a pink french poodle.
My Dad – the hero
That’s my dad in the front (article here). This is when he was in Mobile. Now, he’s just outside of Gulfport, Mississippi. I got to finally talk to him yesterday for a few minutes.
It was really good to hear his voice. He’s got about 9 more days before FEMA rotates him off for a week to recharge. The 17 to 20 hour days are long. There are complete towns in Mississippi that are gone. Nothing but slabs and poles.
BUT, dad did say that the people in Mississippi have been wonderful to them. They haven’t had any of the looting/vandelism/security issues that they’ve had in New Orleans.
When he gets a chance – he’s going to send me some pics.
Awkward Silence Isn’t
“Awkward silence” isn’t.
It’s painful, harrowing, dreadful, and sickening…but it’s not awkward.
A LIFE Group setting only compounds that feeling. Everything is quadrupled in silence. Sniffles, giggles, breathing, ….fears, hopes, doubts….the voice of God…maybe?
What scares me about silence? Why is it so uncomfortable? Why do we avoid it so much? Why does it seem to be so important in our journey to encounter Jesus? What keeps me from doing it?
Plus we are dealing with fasting – what do these two have in common? Why is fasting even on the list of “must” practices? What value does it bring?
As leaders, how can we utilize silence “for good, not evil”? Is there a place for silence in Life Group?
Lot’s of questions…not many answers.