The Real Reason the Apostle Paul wanted to goto Rome

Story here


Imagine having a youth ministry in Rome; what a trip?!

Crisis of Faith and Salsa*

Amy wrote a beautiful post entitled *"Crisis of Faith and Salsa" that I think typifies many of my generation's experiences with God. Like many, she grew up in a Christian home and no longer identifies with the religion. She had an experience this Sunday that spoke volumes to her. It is insightful and inspiring. Here's an excerpt:

I wondered what happened to my faith and my fervor and my absolute belief in the Bible and the existence of God and heaven. I wondered when everything got so messed up for me, and why I have such ambivalence to the idea of putting on some nice pants and going to church on Sunday.

The church family's little boy spilled some rice, and the young man handed them his extra napkins.

I wonder if he'll ever know how much his actions spoke to me this Sunday.

*****
I am reminded of this verse that I think speaks so clearly to Amy's essay:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

If we have not love, we have nothing. Feel God's love for you. Revel in it. Then you can't help but spill it out on to others, like the man in Amy's post.

I love the way she wrote about her experience. If someone encountered you at a restaurant on a Sunday afternoon, what might their impression be?

x-posted from my personal blog

The Porpoise Diving Life

Recently, my friend Bill Dahl wrote a book called The Porpoise Diving Life. Even more recently he decided to upload it to his website so that everyone has a chance to read it for free.

I'm a fan of Bill's writing, and I think you will enjoy it as well. If you don't, he'll give you a 200% refund on your money. Which is a pretty good deal for a free book. ;)

On another note, I apologize for the lack of posts around here lately. I'm still struggling with writer's block...and it doesn't help that the weather here in Toronto has been really nice lately. It's hard to write when the sun is shining and all you want to do is go to the park and take photographs. Although maybe I'll be able to post some new pictures here soon? :)

x-posted from my personal blog

The Thin Places

The Thin Places is an amazing (mostly) poetry blog that is co-authored by a married couple, Makeesha and David.

Of Many Hearts

In my opinion, Of Many Hearts is an excellent example of how to blend faith with good storytelling. I strongly encourage you to go read it.

The Porpoise Diving Life - Call for Writers

This is pretty short notice, but I've recently received news that Bill Dahl's newsletter The Porpoise Diving Life is looking for submissions from female writers (sorry, guys.)

The submission deadline is May 28. Click on the above link for more information.

The Lake at Dusk

This is an older poem about a lake my family used to live near. Once again, I'm posting something that doesn't reference God directly, but the inspiration for it did come from, IMO, one of the "thin places" in this world - i.e. a setting in which God was/is that much more accessible.

The air is saturated with humidity and mosquitos,
The water ripples disturb the reflected world of trees and sky,
Sunlight slowly fades, casting a golden glow on the clouds,
Birds softly voice their contentment,
And I know for that moment that all is right with the world.

The Missing Piece

I took these photos at an open house some friends had last summer. It's been almost a year, but I still wonder what the missing piece of this statue might have been.

Why I Gave Her My Subway Seat

This is a more recent poem based on something that actually happened. While it's doesn't talk about God or faith directly I think it does touch on related issues (i.e. how we treat people when in an "anonymous" situation).

she's last week's shopping list
folded over, bent backwards
with damp fingers until the
crease cracks with middle age,
it's belly spreading into an ever-
increasing bulge of soft yield too
worn to uphold the top half of the
list. when the breeze comes, eggs
and milk and bread crash into
the current, letters ping against
each other. and both g's and an
h are lost forever underneath
tomatoes and an apple pie at
the very end of the page.

A Christian perspective

"Put your past behind you" - Lion King movie.

"When Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future"- Carmen - Christian singer.

I'm getting older. I forget things. My wallet, keys, Bible. I've had to replace certain items including my Study Bible, Yankee Hater Hat etc. I don't like to forget or misplace things. I don't like to admit the mistakes I make - but I still make them. This month of May there are several milestones in my own life:

A. anniversary
B. Birthday of my Daughter
C. My Mother's Birthday
D. Mother's Day.

And of course getting ready for summer and getting ready to start my 5th year here in NC. (IT will be 4 this summer)

As I celebrate these milestones I look back at the things I've done. I'm reminded of the silly mistakes I've made along the way. I thank God for His grace as I press on toward the prize for which Christ has called me (Philippians 3:12). Are you pressing on?

Even as I partake communion I'm reminded in 1 Corinthians 11 to "Do This in Remembrace of Me" - Prayerfully may all things I do be in Remembrance of the One who Created me!

-Gman

"One of the best ways to persuade others is by listening to them"- Dean Rusk.