Ok here we go.
I will call this blog…..A cool, free drink of water……
Saturday during the 1890’s day I went to help give out free bottles of water for The Waters Edge. I was bored, kind of bummed out for several reasons and really not expecting too much from it all. As He can do in so many ways, God proved me wrong. First He gave me a great friend to hang with and be silly which lifted my spirits and made me laugh. How about that? God already knew what i needed.
Then we headed up to pass out the water. Tina and “Jesus” were there putting labels on and loading us as fast and they could. As I walked through the crowd, I saw so many different types of people, old, young, preppy, jocks, goth, rich, poor, all colors, shapes and sizes. We would ask “Would you like some cold water?” You could tell they were thinking about it…”Its free” we would say and their faces would light up.
As the day went on, it got really hot, kids were screaming, and you could tell people were maybe down to their last dollar, and “its free” really made their day. They couldn’t thank us enough. I started to notice despite how hot and tired I was, i wanted to give more and more water. I was smiling, laughing, and enjoying every minute. I went back for bottles until it was gone. I felt as if I could give out free, cold water all day.
So isn’t this just like life – you are hot, tired, sweating, down to your last dollar, your kids are screaming, you have a mile to walk to your car – and God’s love is the cool, free drink of water – satisfying that thirst in you like nothing else can?
I wondered too – as I went back for more and more bottles – is this how God feels – the more He gives out the cool, free water and people take it and quench their deep thirsts – the more He wants to go back for more and more bottles of water to give?
Thank you God for the cool, free drink of water You gave me Saturday and every day.
Toni
A cool, free drink of water May 29, 2008
Stories of Blindness May 19, 2008
What an honor it is to gather God’s people up in a room and think with them.
Last night was another powerful experience of the Story of God interacting with the heart of humanity. We unpacked Mark 10:46-52 and we used a discussion format for the first time. It went great! There were people of different ages and backgrounds, lumped in small groups, opening up and finding immediate application of the teaching we heard. Very beautiful.
We gave an invitation for people to share their stories of blindness, of freedom from chains, of throwing their cloak aside to jump to their feet and go to Jesus. If you would like to do so, this is the spot – just comment on this entry and we’ll post it here for others to be inspired.
What a blessing the Water’s Edge is becoming to individuals, in our community, through our church. Weekly I am amazed by the volunteers showing and serving and smiling. Thanks for you!
It has begun… May 6, 2008
What a night - a diverse, smiling crowd – faces I knew mixed with so many I didn’t - the spirit was sweet and the energy high! We had to bring in more chairs! God is so cool.
I can’t wait to see what He’s going to do next!
There were people there because they’ve been waiting for the launch, working toward it, longing for it. There were others that were brought by friends and family in an outreach of love and care. There were others there who simply saw one of our signs and were drawn into the building.
I heard lots of beautiful comments about how meaningful the experience was, how uplifting and encouraging. One formal Feedback card was turned in. Someone said this:
“I hope you continue the testimony sharing part – it’s powerful to tie it into the scripture. I liked the multiple speakers, hearing “the story” from different voices. Liked the take-away – the tassels were very tangible. GREAT!”
So I’m looking forward to next week and I hope to see you there!
<>< Tina.
On your mark, get set, LAUNCH! May 1, 2008
God is just amazing!
Years ago he planted this seed in Eric and I, this desire to do something different with worship. Something that could reach out to people like us. Something that could heal broken relationships and wounded spirits. A chance for people to connect again or maybe for the first time.
I’ve heard it called your “Holy Discontent” (maybe Hybels, not sure) – that seed God plants in each of us which aches to be hatched and brought to life. And to see that happening is just unreal.
First He brought Eric and I to Ringgold. The right place. Then through Steve Moore and many trusting church leaders, it was the right time. Soon after that the investing began. Investment in a new position from which I could create the ministry. A new building in which the ministry could thrive. Those trusting church leaders and another visionary pastor (John Purrington) continued to invest – an approved budget, room to experiment, trust in the Spirit to guide and that I would have the courage to follow.
And then it got better, I asked people to help bring this vision to life and they said, YES! I was hoping for 20 and I got 40. They brought awesome gifts to the table and began giving of their time and energy. Together God moved from my head to theirs with the vision and now, it’s all about to become a reality. People from all parts of our congregation are getting behind the effort, putting signs out, inviting those in their sphere of influence, bringing in needed items and praying diligently for God to show up.
And man, he already has!
This week I’ve gotten several phone calls from people who have seen a sign and want to know more about what it’s all about. I’ve heard stories of people discussing the concept of what we’re doing with people at work and school who have seen signs. Pastors who lead worship on Sunday mornings are looking forward to the chance to worship as a participant in the evenings. We’ve had requests to give rides in the church van to some who don’t have transportation. And I have lost count of the number of people who have excitedly told me about who they are bringing Sunday night and why it’s such an answer to prayer.
Sure, there are negatives. Not everyone is on board yet. Many just don’t understand the need or the concept behind what we’re doing. BUT, many more are already being blessed by the effort!
Here’s my prayer as we near the official launch of The Water’s Edge:
God of this vision, thank you for the ride so far – it’s hard to imagine what will happen next! Give us the courage to hold on and to step out and to reach in.
Holy Spirit, ignite a fire in the belly of your people that in all our minisrties we may have new excitement to reach out with love to our neighbors. Let this new endeavor bring unity of passion to the body, not division.
Jesus our Redeemer, fill our hearts with compassion, open our ears to listen well, put our hands to serving and our mouths to praising. Give this body of yours new life and energy to love people with sacrifice and hope.
See you Sunday.
Amen.
