the exhilarating beauty of vulnerability

tonight was a brilliant portrayal of the power of community.
our life group is taking what I feel is a healthy approach to the 40 Days and not just regurgitating the sermon, but applying it immediately.

Thus, tonight we opened by reading Nehemiah 4, and discussing what areas of our walls were in need of repair and where we could use others to stand guard with us. Sharing honestly about what areas of our lives feel exposed to the elements was powerful. So many ventured into the dangerous waters of vulnerability, and it deepened the group immensely in just an hour. Then, each couple shared an area of their wall that is broken in their relationship and how they could use their friends in the group to stand with their marriage/engagement.

The brilliant thing Nehemiah does when the people are tired and worried about attack is to not only station others with them, but is to point again to the greatness of God. So after sharing where we felt exposed and in need, we meditated on Psalm 145, listening to the passage read in both male and female voices. It was so powerful to have the greatness of God rise above the text and move from my mind into my heart and begin to shape my will.

Following our meditations we prayed for each other, and it was good.

rediscovered

jon marette was flipping through his cd case and I saw the unmistakable cd art for Aerosmith's "9 Lives," album. Such a goodie that was overshadowed by "Pink," being played to death. enjoying listening to it tonight.

Andrew Sharp and Dolla Bill follow Jesus....fo real

Gills...that one was for free....Matty and I will come back with a vengance, and our jumpshots.

btw Gillis...you really need to start a blog... 4 reasons why,
1. you have a unique perspective on the church as it relates to the world that folks need to hear
2. you are smart - we need more smart folks blogging (i really drag the blogging world down)
3. you can introduce us to good music
4. a profile picture of the best looking Gillis, by that I mean Heather of course :)