The Blessing of Brokenness by Steve Arterburn

The Blessing of Brokenness

by Steve Arterburn

I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite...Isaiah 57:15b

Brokenness is actually a blessing, but too often we’re so caught up with wanting to feel better we miss God’s best for us. If you’re struggling . . . if you feel as if your faith is gone . . . don’t miss the blessing that comes with brokenness . . . Here’s a story that illus­trates what I mean:

There was a young priest who was about to lift the communion cup and bless the cup. It was made of choice crystal. Just when he lifted up the cup, it slipped out of his hand and smashed in pieces onto the floor. He looked up at the senior priest thinking that he would be ridiculed. Instead the senior priest said, “I never knew there were so many beautiful pieces to reflect the light until the cup was broken. How marvelous and beautiful are all the pieces when the light shines on them!”

Like the cup, our broken lives can accentuate the beauty of the light shining through them. For that light is the Lord. What we fear is to be broken or be seen as broken; but as this story illustrates, it is in our brokenness that the light of Christ dazzles–drawing atten­tion to His beauty, and making our lives beautiful as a result.”

And, in the book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge commented, “But you can’t do this at a distance; you can’t ask Christ to come into your wound while you remain far from it. You have to go there with him.” It’s o.k. to be broken; it is in our brokenness that we can bring it to the Lord and experience His touch and healing, and bring hope to our broken heart.

“God can take all the broken pieces and put it back together in a way that is good.” - Max Johnson

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot
You will ROTFL ----->Roll on the floor laughing

Link: http://www.wbtv.com/news/topstories/10091746.html

"Maiden Man Turns "Foot Smoker" into Tourist Attraction

If everyone gets 15 minutes of fame Shannon Whisnant is on the clock.

We introduced you to the Maiden Man yesterday.

He found a foot in a smoker he bought at an auction.

Whisnant is now turning his foot smoker into a tourist attraction with a fee to see the smoker.

The sign in his yard says 3 bucks for adults!

The human foot has been turned over to cops until it can be returned to it's owner."

[If Google this you can find video too.]

I heard on the radio tonight that tenant only owed $42 in past dues.
So, make those DTM calls or cut your foot off now!

--
ROTFL,
Daniel K. "Dan" King
My blog: http://kingdanprayer.blogspot.com/
My photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans: "ELECTION 2008 Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans Dobson, others meet in Salt Lake City to plan options in presidential campaign Posted: September 30, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern � 2007 WorldNetDaily.com James Dobson WASHINGTON – Some of the top leaders in Christian pro-family activism – including James Dobson of Focus on the Family – met in Salt Lake City yesterday to plot a strategy should Rudy Giuliani or another supporter of legalized abortion be nominated by the Republican Party as its presidential candidate. Not only was there a consensus among activists to withhold support for the Republican nominee, there was even discussion about supporting the entry of a new candidate to challenge the frontrunners. It's no secret that Dobson, founder of one of the largest Christian ministries in the country, has no use for Giuliani. In June, he said: 'I cannot, and will not, vote for Rudy Giuliani in 2008. It is an irrevocable decision. If given a Hobson's – Dobson's? – choice between him and Sens. Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, I will either cast my ballot for an also-ran – or if worse comes to worst – not vote in a presidential election for the first time in my adult life. My conscience and my moral convictions will allow me to do nothing else.'"

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News: "Foot Found in Locker An investigation going on in Maiden right now. A severed foot found inside a mini-storage unit. Investigators are at the Maiden Plaza Mini Storage on Island Ford Road right now. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. We have a crew on the way and will let you know as new details come in. Story Created: Sep 25, 2007 at 5:07 PM EDT Story Updated: Sep 25, 2007 at 6:25 PM EDT"

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

by Steve Arterburn

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

We are called to walk alongside others on the journey of disciple­ship. We serve our brothers and sisters by helping them stay on or return to the path of faithfulness. And we also serve them by
making sure we continue in faithfulness. Self-neglect and irre­sponsibility impose an unfair burden on your brother and sister in Christ, because they’re responsible to help you.

The body of Christ is not a place of self-sufficiency. It’s time we quit believing those lies we’ve been listening to for so long. The Christian faith is not each person looking out for him or herself. Nor is it the survival of the fittest. The body of Christ is a place of interdependency. When you share the troubles and problems of others, you’re fulfilling the law of love. Our burdens bring us together! As you call on others to help you bear your burdens, you will find your love and appreciation growing. Your weaknesses call forth other’s strengths. And when others call on you, you have the opportunity to be an agent of God’s mercy and grace, looking for nothing in return.

Do you know someone who is under a heavy burden at this time? What practical way can you come alongside that person and help him or her bear it? Prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to do, then step forward and do it.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” - Charles Dickens(1812-1870)

The Ransomed Heart - Fight For It

Fight For It
09/21/2007

Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle.

A true community is something you will have to fight for. You’ll have to fight to get one, and you’ll have to fight to keep it afloat. But you fight for it like you bail out a life raft during a storm at sea. You want this thing to work. You need this thing to work. You can’t ditch it and jump back on the cruise ship. This is the church; this is all you have. Without it, you’ll go down. Or back to prison.

Suddenly all those “one another’s” in Scripture make sense. Love one another. Bear one another’s burdens. Forgive one another. Acts of kindness become deeply meaningful because we know we are at war. Knowing full well that we are all facing battles of our own, we give one another the benefit of the doubt. Leigh isn’t intentionally being distant from me – she’s probably under an assault. That’s why you must know each other’s stories, know how to “read” one another. A word of encouragement can heal a wound; a choice to forgive can destroy a stronghold. You never knew your simple acts were so weighty. Its what we’ve come to call “lifestyle warfare.”

We check in regularly with one another, not out of paranoia (“Do you still like me?”), but in order to watch over each other’s hearts. “How are you doing?” But be careful about what you are looking for from community. For if you bring your every need to it, it will collapse. Community is no substitute for God. I left our annual camping trip absolutely exhausted and disappointed. As we drove home, I realized it was because I was looking to them to validate me, appreciate me, fill this aching void in my heart. Only once in ten days did I take time to be away with God, alone. I was too busy trying to get my needs met through them. Which is why community cannot live without solitude.

(Waking The Dead , 199, 200 )

From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 264
Ransomed Heart Ministries www.ransomedheart.com

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Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'

ELECTION 2008
Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'
Evangelical leader cites candidate's opposition to federal marriage amendment
Posted: September 20, 2007
2:56 p.m. Eastern


© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com


James Dobson

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, who previously questioned GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson's viability among evangelical voters, now has told friends he cannot support the former Tennessee senator.

In an e-mail to friends, according to the Associated Press, Dobson said he won't be supporting Thompson: "Not for me, my brothers. Not for me!"

Dobson raised questions about the strength of Thompson's campaign and challenged his stance on issues important to evangelical Christians, for whom Dobson is widely considered an important voice.

"Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?" Dobson's e-mail said.

As WND reported in March, Dobson was quoted by U.S. News and World Report saying, "Everyone knows [Thompson's] conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for, [but] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression."

(Story continues below)

Men's Retreat on a Roll!

n of Steele are Rolling!
Men of Steele - 2007 Retreat Update Fri-Satuday ~ October 5-6
In This Issue What? Where? Who? More What! If you haven't signed up, get a form at Steele Creek, put it in an envelope with a check and stick it in one of the gray connection boxes or put it in the offering bag. Be sure to mark check and offering envelope with "Men's Retreat"     The Hard Facts White Oak Conf. Center     Retreat Costs includes Friday night accomodations and meals Friday night and Saturday   Bunk House Rooms - Eight guys per room (True Fellowship!)    $55.00 for the weekend   Hotel type rooms - Two per room with two double beds $65.00 for the weekend   Retreat "officially" ends with Saturday dinner. To stay over Saturday night (includes Sunday breakfast) - add $36.00     If you HAVE SIGNED UP but haven't paid...we need the coins asap!                 For more info on   White Oak Conference Center     www.whiteoakcc.org	Men's Retreat - What is it?   The primary purpose of the retreat is to give men some time "away from it all" to connect with other men and to spend some time seeking God and who He's called us to be.    Schedule - Friday, October 5: Guys with real jobs will arrive after work on Friday.  The rest of us may sneak down early afternoon to hang out! The old guys will begin some serious stretching so we can continue our dominance in basketball over the young guys.    Friday Dinner starts at 6:00...if you can't make it for the first meal, do that guy thing...eat a burrito on the road!  First gathering at 7 for worship, teaching.  Afterwards, we'll head down to the lake for a bonfire and then get settled in for an evening of hanging out, fellowship, guy stuff in the gym.    Saturday will include a morning session of worship & teaching, free time, LUNCH, more free time, a wrap up session around 3 p.m. and dinner.    NOTE: "Standard Schedule" includes wrapping up late Saturday afternoon and heading out to be back home Saturday Night.   We'll have extended fellowship/worship/sharing time after dinner for those that are hanging out longer or staying over Saturday night.   Where is it and how do we get there?   White Oak Conference Center is a Christian retreat center less than an hour south of Steele Creek Church. If you're able to share a ride with a guy or two that would be great.  Some of us will meet at the church Friday afternoon to work out rides. DIRECTIONS.......head south on I-77 toward Columba. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and yield right onto SC 20. Travel approximately 3 miles and come to stop sign. Go straight for approximately 5 additional miles. White Oak Conference Center will be on your right.   He Ain't Heavy....He's my Brother!   We need everyone that's going to grab a brother by the arm and say, "Come with me, man of Steele!"  Many of us are walking the road and fighting the battle by ourselves and need a little encouragement.  This weekend can have a big impact on all of us.  I was with a handful of guys talking about "guy stuff" the other day and one of the fellas asked a great question, "Who's in your foxhole?"   I just e-mailed a friend that doesn't go to Steele Creek inviting him on the Retreat.  He replied with an enthusiastic, "Count me in!"  And the next day he said, "I have a Christian friend that needs to get away in the worst way...can he come?"  ABSOLUTELY.  The body of Christ is bigger than the Big Tent, isn't it?!   Bottom Line: We've still got room, so pray that the Lord would use you to bring another brother or two. What to bring Each bed will have linens, blanket, pillow, a towel and a bar of soap (we could survive for years on these provisions!)   Bring a Bible. Toiletries. Possible activities include canoeing, fishing, basketball, football, ping pong, high-stakes dominos, rocking.  Because of this year's schedule, there won't be time for 18 holes of golf.  If you want to bring your pitching wedge and have a "closest to the tree" contest, go for it.  There is a FRISBEE GOLF course on site for REAL men.   Music.....we're expecting various jam sessions to break out during free time.  If you play an instrument, bring it along.      (Truth in Advertising: Regarding the picture at the top of this e-mail...you will not have a view of the Rocky Mountains or the Swiss Alps from your room.  We just put that in there to get you FIRED UP!)
"Every man must die. But few men really live."                                         William Wallace, from the movie- Braveheart   "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."                                                  Jesus Christ, quoted from the all-time best selling book, The Wednesday, September 19, 2007 WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll: "Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Values Voter Debate straw poll last night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after his performance against six other Republican presidential candidates. With 63 percent, Huckabee received more votes than all the other candidates combined. No-show candidates – the top four, according to national surveys – were included in the poll. The vote included 340 delegates who were hand-selected by 40 of the country's social activists and opinion-makers. 'We won huge,' said Huckabee after the votes were tallied. 'I'm pleased, and proud, and honored to have this historic endorsement from America 's leading social conservatives who believe, as I do, in the core values which define American culture and life. This overwhelming vote affirms that conservatives are coalescing around one candidate and that candidate is me. Together, we will prevail.'" Friday, September 14, 2007 Devotional 9/14/07 ActiveWord Judah's Journey So Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him . . . .' --Genesis 37:26-27 (NKJV) Joseph's brothers were sick of him. Not only was he their father's undisputed favorite, but lately Joseph had begun to have dreams of them bowing down to him. The mere presence of Joseph became an increasingly difficult burden for them to bear, and so at the first opportunity to get rid of him, they threw him into a pit and left him for dead. Off on the horizon, they spotted a caravan of traders headed for Egypt. Judah had the idea to make some money by selling Joseph as a slave; this reveals an important insight into Judah's self-centered nature. Fast-forward twenty years, and now the roles are reversed. Joseph had become the second most powerful man in Egypt, and through a set of divinely ordained events, his brothers are forced to approach him and beg for food. They don't recognize Joseph, but he recognizes them. Amazingly, he did not seek revenge but sought reconciliation with them. But before there could be reconciliation, he needed to see transformation, so Joseph set up a test to see if their hearts had changed over the years. He gave them the same opportunity to selfishly sell out one of their other brothers for their own benefit, and it is Judah (the one with the greatest guilt) who rises up and offers to suffer in another's place (Genesis 44:33). By doing so, Judah demonstrated that his heart had made the journey from the place of being self-centered to the place of being selfless. Joseph wept at this point because he now knew that the transformation was complete and that the door to reconciliation was finally open. The change that we witness in Judah is a hint of what ought to happen in us as we become new creations in Christ. Our old motives for personal profit are exchanged for a desire to profit and benefit others. Interestingly enough, Judah's name means 'praise,' which is also our natural reaction toward God as He works this transformation in us. DIG - What was Judah's journey? DISCOVER - Do other people see you as self-centered or selfless? DISPLAY - How can you make a personal sacrifice for someone else today? Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Recommend reading for Christian men UPDATE ABOUT KURT Email from my Home Fellowship Group: We need to be praying for Kurt today as he is in Florida and has an appt. w/the Cancer Center there in Tampa. Kurt's family has been pleading with him to investigate what the Center may have to offer him and he wants to honor his family by at least checking it out. When a serious illness comes into our lives so many well-meaning voices from those people who love us come pouring in. My prayer is that we continue to pray that the Lord will give Kurt Wisdom and Discernment regarding what is the Way that the Lord desires for Kurt to take. He is also asking that we pray for this time w/his family there in Florida.. that it will be a sweet time of fellowship w/them and all that the Lord desires it to be. My Reply to All: As a family member whom is experiencing this agony first hand, it is my humble opinion that Kurt should check into the Cancer Center. Yes, I loss my mother and older sister because some critical medical decisions, therefore second opinions are important. My father is in remission for 11 years as result of consulting with best. My younger sister followed my father advice and is remission for 2 years. All family members need genetic test, BROC. Early detection and family history is important. I make these assertions with tears and emotional pain for us all. However, Kurt does need our opinions as much as our prayers. Your brother in Christ, Dan Monday, September 10, 2007 Thursday, September 13, 2007, a sanctified day of Prayer Dear Prayer Warriors, I believe this Thursday will be a sanctified day of Prayer for us. I am anticipating hearing from the Lord in mighty ways, Amen! Does have any interest in meeting to seek the Lord together before 9AM? Of course we will meeting in the evening at church, thank you Holy Spirit. Prayer and fasting is our way, Amen! All for His glory. Spread the word and His Word. Blessings, Daniel K. "Dan" King ______________________________________ Charlotte, NC 28273-6369 My photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610 Saturday, September 08, 2007 BibleGateway.com - Passage�Lookup: 2 Corinthians 12 BibleGateway.com - Passage�Lookup: 2 Corinthians 12: "The Thorn in the Flesh 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Wednesday, September 05, 2007 WorldNetDaily: D. James Kennedy dies WorldNetDaily: D. James Kennedy dies: "D. James Kennedy, author, theologian, biblical scholar, pastor of the 10,000-member 'Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church' in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and founder of the highly influential Coral Ridge Ministries, died early this morning in his sleep. Bryan Fisher, Coral Ridge's executive vice president, said Kennedy died at about 3 a.m. Kennedy launched his weekly one-hour television show, 'The Coral Ridge Hour,' in 1978. It has been broadcast nationally every Sunday morning on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and syndicated on various other networks. Available to 81 percent of the nation's television households, 'The Coral Ridge Hour' has the greatest number of TV station affiliates of any religious program in the U.S." My 45th birthday: a photo essay Oops (under construction) This photo essay tells a story of how I spend my birthday on June 10, 2003. It shows a full of emotions as commune with God and Nature. Hostages' Pastor: 'Remorse Is the Face of the Church' | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction Hostages' Pastor: 'Remorse Is the Face of the Church' | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction: "Interview with Park Eun-jo: 'I don't want this to be a stumbling block for missions.' Sarah Pulliam | posted 9/04/2007 08:49AM The 19 South Koreans freed by the Taliban returned to Seoul Sunday as the church that sent the group fields critical remarks for sending members to such a volatile country. Related articles and links The return ends a 43-day ordeal in which two hostages were killed, including Bae Hyung-kyu, an associate pastor at Saemmul Church. Before they left Afghanistan, the hostages apologized at a press conference for the trouble they had caused South Korea. 'I've had sleepless nights, thinking of what we have caused the country. I am deeply sorry,' Yu Kyeong-sik said at a press conference. 'Remorse is the face of the church,' said Park Eun-jo, senior pastor of Saemmul Church. The Presbyterian congregation that sponsored the trip, in the Seoul suburb of Bundang, has a weekly attendance of about 5,000 people." Tuesday, September 04, 2007 My Testimony I was raised in a typical lifestyle of suburbia in the Northeastern United States. My Catholic mother and Catechism classes influenced my early religious experiences. These experiences were interesting through high school, but my Protestant father’s influence and my education left me with many questions. However, I had a spiritual awakening on July 2, 1986 at age 28 after more than 15 years of active addiction. I entered recovery and my spiritual life was totally centered on a 12-step program. The life was good, but I knew in my heart something was missing. After nine years of recovery, I knew addiction was not the answer, but the spiritual pain was overwhelming. (The term spiritual here is a New Secularism way of defining an emotional state as related to a Higher Power and not a relationship with Jesus Christ.) I had a career and prosperity, but Beamers and condos did not satisfy. I was educated but my intellectual life was dormant to the point of depression. In the mid-90’s I began seeking God in the various Churches. I remember thinking I was some kind of closet Christian because I had began discretely reading the Bible more after I began recovery. The Bible reading gave me some simple awakenings. For example, Matthew 6:10 the instruction was that God put me on earth and I was not in heaven. I needed a vocabulary lesson because words like “believe” and “Heaven” had so many worldly magical inferences. The Bible helped me to realize my need for a Savior. When I changed my 12-step sponsor to someone I thought was a Christian, I said, “If I am in this much spiritual pain in a year then I am leaving.” (Again a New Secularism term of spiritual) That turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. One good thing this sponsor did was to introduce me to Christians who were attending a church in Philadelphia. I followed them and started attending this church, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia. At this church, I watched the altar calls in amazement as people were coming to Jesus Christ. In a 1982 Christian concert, I foolishly thought the church planted people in the audience to go forward and accept Jesus. One day, the pastor, Joe Focht, of Calvary Chapel Philadelphia made a small comment from the pulpit that struck a cord. He said, “Ok, you got clean from drugs and alcohol. Now you’re saved. So, let’s move on the next chapter” and then he flicked a page of the Bible over as if the discussion was finished. My jaw dropped and I said, “Wait a minute it can’t be that simple! I just spent all these years working on my spiritual program. There must be more!” I learned the blood of Jesus was the only way because my spiritual program had just revealed my sin. This testimony may seem like one of those radical salvation stories, but finding redemption and hearing the Lord’s voice were very private and personal events. On February 19, 1996 I got a tattoo in a last ditch effort to hold on to my sin, because the Church will never accept an addict like me, recovered or not. In a short time afterwards, I was listening to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade on my BMW radio parked in my condo driveway. Greg made an invitation; I bowed and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I struggled with assurance because I did not make a public profession. However, a few months later at a Christian concert I when forward at an alter call and told the counselor that this was rededication prayer. In July of that year, I found myself on Grafton Street in Dublin Ireland on a summer mission trip. I wish I had the time and space to tell the story of how I first heard the voice of Jesus on Grafton with the team. I know that I know Him because I heard His voice personally. I have been obedient to His calling in my eight-year walk the Lord. He showed me the inerrancy of the Scripture through Child Evangelism Fellowship. The Lord has allowed me to serve with Harvest Crusades and in Sunday School. These ministries helped me to grow and prepare for the ministry at JAARS. As a result being here at JAARS can only be a testament that my Jesus loves me. To God be the Glory, Dan King Monday, September 03, 2007 Purifying Your Branch by Steve Arterburn Purifying Your Branch by Steve Arterburn But if serving the Lord seems undesireable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . .But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 25:15 Let’s be honest: most of our family trees aren’t very pretty. In fact, for most of us, those branches are filled with adultery, pornography, divorce, substance abuse, addiction, physical violence, and more. And even if your family hasn’t been affected by one of these, your family history hasn’t failed to affect you in one way or another. At some point, then, every man must decide: will I purify my branch of the family tree, or will I allow this poison to seep through to another generation? Purifying your branch of the family tree begins with driving a stake into the ground with the decision that you and your family will follow Him. When you do this, you transition your family from a pattern of sickness to the possibility of living for God. For generations to come, people will look at your family tree and see that under your leadership, life was influenced for good rather than for evil. Going against the trends of past generations isn’t easy to do. But it’s worth the effort to blaze a new path—a path that’s honorable; a path that’s worth following; and a path that will show God’s grace and goodness to future generations. “One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived. - Paul Bourget (1852-1935) Sunday, September 02, 2007 He Knows Battle, He Seeks The Romance From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 245 He Knows Battle, He Seeks The Romance 09/02/2007 Let us first turn to the romance with God. How has he been wooing you? What has stirred your heart over the years? We cannot control what the Romancer is up to, but there is a posture we can take. There is an openness to this stage that will enable us to recognize and receive the wooing. So let me ask—are you willing to let go of your insistence to control, meaning, to allow for a life that exists beyond the realm of analysis, to let some portions of your life be impractical, to cease evaluating all things based on their utility and function? Coming closer to the heart, are you willing to let passion rise in you, though undoubtedly it may unnerve you? To permit the healing of some of your deepest wounds? To let yourself be run through as with a rapier by Beauty itself? Are you willing, at some level, to be undone? Then we may proceed. To enter into the Romance we must slow down, or we will miss the wooing. Turn off the news and put on some music. Take a walk. Take up painting, or writing or reading poetry. Better still, what was it that stirred your heart over the years? Go and get it back. This is hard to do, especially for men who are out conquering the world. But remember—what the evil one does to a good warrior if he cannot keep him the battle is to bury him in battles. But life is not all about the battle. The Romance is always central. Listen again to David: Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD. (Ps. 27:3–4 NIV) He knows battle, knows what it is to have God come through for him. He does not fear it; he is confidant as a seasoned warrior is confidant. But, he does not make it his heart’s desire. What he seeks is not battle—what he seeks is the romance with God. “To gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.” (The Way of The Wild Heart , 206, 207) Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) Phillies MagicNumber ********** --------------- ++++++++++++++ My Facebook LinkedIn: Daniel "Dan" K. 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