Easter is always extraordinary for the believer.  It’s the Sunday when you purposefully remember God’s love for man.  With Christ’s act of love a way was made for me, my neighbor, anyone to belong to God.  That’s huge. 

Over my thirty years in church (yes, I’m 30) I have seen every attempt of a church to communicate His message.  Some of have been good, some not so good.  However, yesterday I witnessed the most interesting and relevant attempt in my experience.  Since resigning from Southwest Family Fellowship last year we have been visiting local churches.  I think Austin is the most interesting city and probably one of the creative capitals in America.  The church we attend most often is Gateway Church.  Think Willow Creek (seeker sensitive) meets Rob Bell (postmodern).  I wouldn’t recommend this church for the mature Christian (but their working hard to change that), but for a person looking for answers and seeking out the claims of Christ - you can’t beat Gateway Church.

Anyway, Easter Sunday they presented a message called “When Love Comes to Town” and it was 85% music/drama and 15% message of hope.  They used the story of The Prodigal Son and U2.  I guess if you’re a fan of U2 you caught the title of their song in the title of the message.  Basically, they used songs like “Vertigo,” “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “When Love Comes to Town” to tell the story of a parent and prodigal child.  Okay, here is the cool part the campus we attend down south is in a middle school and they didn’t miss a piece of the environment.  The stage looked great, the story was essentially told by two people singing U2 together, the band played huge parts by being apart of the story, and they used wonderful visuals.  Obviously they offered to pray with people at the end - but the cool part was people rejoiced at the end.  I don’t know how many people there knew Christ, but the place rejoiced how the message was presented.  I love that!

What was your Easter Sunday like?  How many people came to follow Christ in your service?  Tell the stories.

Categories: Thoughts, faith
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I’ve been reading through Jeremiah and it appears someone else has too. His a friend of mine and a wonderful leader. So this is his blog and you can follow Jeff Galley’s blog here and the blog is below:

Read Jeremiah 29:1-14. To relate to this passage you have to remember that the way Babylon was running the show (they were controlling Israel against their will) was completely at odds with the principles of living that Israel held to as important. Sound familiar? Like…our society? Speaking for myself, I think the predominant ideas the define our culture are at odds with what I believe to be truth.

So I can identify with Israel’s situation. But that’s not the important take-away from this passage. What is of value to me is Jeremiah’s suggestion to Israel on how to live in the midst of a society that is moving away from truth. He urges them to do five things (these are put into my own words):

• Make yourself at home
• Build communities
• Create healthy families
• Work and pray for society’s well being
• Ignore religious know-it-alls

God definitely had a plan to redeem the situation and make it something good (verses 10-14), but Jeremiah sure didn’t want Israel to take a passive role and sit around waiting for that better day to happen - that’s just lazy. Their part was active and positive: settle in, make a life, and be a positive contributor to the culture! In fact, I think it’s possible that God’s promise to restore society to wholeness was contingent on Israel’s participation in the process.

In your opinion, what does all of this mean to a follower of Christ in the post-modern western world?

I have my own views but I would love to hear some thoughts on my blog as well. What do you think?

Categories: Thoughts, faith
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I’ll try and make this post short but its going to be long, but with recent “actions” on the part of Governor Spitzer and such articles I felt some thoughts were needed. Before we get too far into this post - I suggest Spitzer’s problem is inherent in human nature or as we like to call it in the church “SIN”.

Recently I completed the book of First Samuel and something always confused me - David is a real sexual guy. Maybe his more like Spitzer and maybe given God votes for these types of men for leadership - let’s be honest. David was bored and then he sees Bathsheba and all wisdom goes out the door. The people of God loved David and loved his son Solomon and both were not short of sexual hunger or partners.

What confuses me is why does God give them multiple wives? Why does He allow polygamy? What about Adam and Even (no more Eve’s, right)? God did not expressly forbid multiple wives; but, he did desire that they only have one wife. Also the Bible doesn’t have any passages that say anything good about having multiple partners. Actually the first time God distinctly says one wife is in Deuteronomy 17:17 (He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray (i.e. SIN)…), after this point it all gets confusing. Between this time and the coming of Christ many patriarchs of scripture had more than one wife or at least a wife and a concubine or slave girl who bore them children. So having multiple partners was something God tolerated, but did not necessarily condone. Just look at the precedent for God tolerating divorce (Matt 19:8).

I know some disagree that God “just tolerated it” and point to when Nathan condemns David for his affair with Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:7-8). They would imply that God states that He gave David his wives (plural). That the text suggests that God is not simply tolerating the practice, but God is taking an active part in giving David multiple wives. Plus God would have given David more if he had but asked. These people advocate at certain times, God did more than just tolerated bigamy. At times He actually condoned it. But his line of thinking is flawed because God is say He gave Saul’s kingdom (wives, belongs, etc) to David, not that He gave him wives for pleasure. This is God taking the kingdom and giving it to another.

Here is my belief - and since today is my 4th anniversary I think you can guess - I’m a one woman man. The New Testament is very clear (1 Cor. 7:1-2 1; 1Tim 3:2, 3:12, Titus 1:6) you are to be married to one incredible woman (or man if you’re a she) for a lifetime - which makes the situation pretty clear. Governor Spitzer you have sin problem and you’re lucky your wife is still standing there because where God doesn’t tolerate adultery, He does tolerate divorce.

~ Chris

Categories: Thoughts
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As a youth, I remember listening to the complaints of the moral ineptitude of Bill Clinton. How could the man disgrace the oval office? Were the Democrats waging a culture war against all things decent in American society? Was this type of personal misconduct the future of the nation? Eight years ago, we cast our vote in a red sea of frustration hoping that a message would be sent to Washington that change was needed. My family is Reagan Republican who seeks to restore the gleam in the country’s then shady eye.

Like most children, when I reached voting age, my parent’s opinion greatly shaped my view of the world. In 2000, I cast my vote for George W. Bush, believing in the humble, compassionate conservatism that would follow Clinton’s economic success while adding a little ethical decency to Capitol Hill. The rest of my Southern Pentecostal family also leaned to the right.

Six years later and horrified at the current state of both the nation and the world, my family is looking left. The fear that George W. used to win back the presidency has begun to scare us in the opposite direction. Yes, the world is a scary place, but the Republicans have been behind the wheel for the past six years. Why should we stay on a course whose direction is headed over a cliff? Slowly, but steadily, I have begun to cherish the civil rights that our country was built. I believe everyone should be treated equal, eliminating poverty is central, fighting global warming is crucial, health care for everyone is inevitable, and I finally support withdrawing troops from Iraq (I believe that the United States should be a model of democracy and not secret torture).

The fog of the Bush presidency is beginning to lift and as our eyes clear, and the majority of the nation begins to look at the facts, we are slowly beginning to see leaders who tell the truth. I actually favored John Edwards before he suspend his campaign for the Presidency. It’s the first time I felt confident about a Democrat. I know all the reasons why Conservative Christians don’t feel as confident - but none of them make sense to me. I believe marriage is between one man and one woman for a lifetime, however I seek a safer world for gays and lesbians. I support life but desire to see equal legislation for the oppressed as there is for the issue of abortion. The crisis of poverty in America (the world for that matter) is a greater problem. No matter the issue I don’t feel the best approach is laws to ban anyone’s freedom - we become slaves to those laws and as a Christian believer I champion freedom.

So where do I stand? I don’t trust McCain because I don’t desire war and he has left me wanting. Barack Obama feels like a leader. A possible glimmer of hope restored seems to be coming back with the wisdom and reason of leaders like Senator Obama. He stands apart from Senator Clinton, who is currently engaged in a desperate campaign to tarnish Barack Obama as a “roll of the dice” who won’t know what to do when that 3am phone call rings in the White House. Does this fear tactic sound familiar? It should, as it is what our country has been experiencing for almost a decade. Clinton may say that she represents change, but her campaign is proof that she will offer more of the same.

But like many of my friends I don’t know if I can support Barack Obama? The jest of it is I don’t know why? He preaches change - I like change, want change. He shares many of the views of J. Edwards and they could become running mates soon. But I still snub the thought of voting for Obama. I think it’s the message of “Hope”? I believe in hope but not in myself or my government. We have to be careful of this human experiment with government and legislation - it has proven to be a fiasco. Various societies and cultures have tried everything from democracy, republicanism, monarchies, dictatorships, socialism, capitalism, communism, to isolationism-all to no avail. None of these have offered any hope for mankind’s survival. The insufficiency and failure of human civilizations and their “hopes” serve only to highlight the fact that mankind is incapable of perfecting government and solving the plagues that come from our inherited sin nature. Because of our failure as a civilization, we cry out for help; but there is only one source of help that can offer true hope-Jesus Christ. Jesus was born into the world for this very purpose.

So I continue to watch and ask the question - can Obama deliver change? His delivered enough messages of hope and should continue. So I linger in the shadow of the crowds in “hope” of the moment when I believe he can carry out true change.

Categories: Thoughts, faith, life
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My precious PTL (Patricia Tennille Leerssen) gave out these cute little notebooks the other day at work. It’s a very small wire notebook that has become my new BFF (best friend forever). Do you like all my acronims?

Lists are developing. Lists of things to do for the week. Lists of things I’d like for my birthday (which happens to be next month….I will be 30….are you ready to celebrate with me?). Lists of things that Chris and I want to do in Austin that we’ve never taken advantage of. Lists make me feel alive. I feel like a butterfly that is about to break out of her cocoon. It’s feeling really good. You might want to watch out. I might fly by you really fast. Swoop.
My list for my birthday you ask…sure, I don’t mind sharing. Especially if you are thinking of buying me a present. I’m going to be 30 ya know. Have I said that already? 30 is a big year. I am thrilled! It is the starting of a new decade. And how blessed I am at this time in my life. I am becoming a new woman all over again. I love it.

Back to my purple BFF. Page 3 begins the birthday list. Now, its not super huge, but I find it hard for me to ever know what I want. I just always revert to clothes. And since I still have 10 pounds of baby weight to lose, I REFUSE to buy clothes this size anymore. I will continue to wear the same two pairs of pants each week until I drop weight. So hope you like my clothes. I’m not updating them anymore.

Here’s some things I have on my mind of what I’d like:

*a new nalgene bottle so I can be an avid water drinker again

*a pretty silky eye mask to put over my eyes at night so I can sleep like a baby

*new bra & panties (but again, I may weight a few months for this fun gift!)

*recipe box with cute recipe cards. they have cute ones at borders and i’m not really a big cooker, but my recipes currently are in a zip lock baggie in a drawer.

*Picky Maid–someone come clean my house!!! I am going to schedule a cleaning service to do a good Spring Clean.

*a new purse. I love my purse. It’s so very cool & funky. But I’ve carried it for 1 1/2 years now. It is time to say good-bye. It must be replaced.

*Spa Day. And I’m not talking about a pedi/mani/massage. I mean the works! I’d love some type of body polish/wrap, hot stones, massage, scalp massage, aromatherapy, the list goes on. I’ve looked at several places here in Austin. I’ve chosen a few packages that I think I’d like.

*VACATION! I know this is not something that will happen now. My goal was to have a cruise for my 30th birthday, but now with baby & 10 extra pounds & Dave Ramsey, who has gladly ruled our lives for 3 years, this will be put on hold for now.

Uh oh, work is calling me back to reality. Hope you all are able to purchase yourself a wonderful notebook like my purple BFF.

Categories: Thoughts
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So, no its not March Madness basketball I’m talking about…..its McCool March Madness! The month has started out great. I won’t go into details JUST yet, however, things are happening and God is at work. We took the month of February “off” in a sense of looking under every rock to find out what the heck we are supposed to be doing with our lives. Well….the search I believe may be over. Just last week, things began literally POURING in with opportunities to Chris and I. It was pretty comical. But again, nothing is official, but very much on it’s way. Let’s just say it has to do with: Summer getting a new job, Chris getting an offer for a new job out of state, but turning it down, new ministry opportunity, and more sleep with Tatum.

Tatum can’t be forgotten in this madness b/c the girl is hilarious. I love her! She is getting big (chunky)….she has her daddy’s checks. She loves to laugh, giggle, and act like you are coming after her while she crawls frivolously down the hallway. We’ve reached a few milestones that are pretty exciting as a mommy.

1) Tatum is about to walk. I bet it will happen in the next month. I can just sense it. Am I ready for that? Well, I guess we’ll just have to see. I have no idea what to expect. But she loves to stand and walk around anything she can; tables, walls, chairs, even Brodie.

2) Formula. Two bottles a day she’s on formula….no more pumping at work!!!!!!!!!!!!! For all you girls out there, this is a big deal. I was SO tired of pumping at work, but lasted for about 8 months and finally decided to begin weening her off. I’ll nurse until she’s 12 months, but for now, she’s got supplemented milk for two feedings with her food. Thank GOODNESS. I feel like a new woman.

3) She’s started drinking from a sippy cup. How annoyed I was two months ago (we’ve been trying this since she was 5 months…she’s now 9 months) that she would NOT drink from it. URG. So, I would stop. Give it several days, then introduce again……and still nothing. Miss Amanda today told me that Tatum drank 3 oz of apple juice all by herself. She wasn’t too impressed with her bottle, but loved the cup. There’s always a new adjustment to something.

4) I heard from a friend that if you put your little one down earlier in the night, they are more likely to get into the “rims” sleep…I think that’s the word. So, starting last Sunday I put Tatum to bed at 7:30 pm. I was SO nervous that by midnight she would wake up crying and need me to put her back to sleep. She hasn’t really been a “sleep through the night” kind of baby. She’s able to sleep about 6-8 hours, which is good, but never a 12 hour night in our time as parents. You just get used to it, and learn how to deal with it. BUT. She slept until 5:30 am (which is when I nurse her before getting ready for work), and then sleeps again until 8:00 am. That’s 12.5 hours! This is a huge milestone for Chris and I. I actually haven’t been able to sleep well b/c I have my own little alarm clock that wakes my body up at 2-4 am, just waiting to hear her cry….but nothing! She’s sound asleep. Wow. I may be jinxing myself with writing about this…..but I hope not. Sucks for our personal life having to have her in bed by 7:30 pm….you can’t go out to do anything, but we’ll adjust. Having a baby is all about new adjustments, right?

I’m sure there are other milestones that have happened, but those are the most “true to my heart.” More to write in the coming days/weeks about Chris and I and our new journey we are embarking on. I can’t wait to share it with all of you.

~Summerella

Categories: Thoughts
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