What I need is a conversion experience.
See, I've done everything before. I have read the Bible, memorized the Bible. Set aside quiet times. Set aside intercession times. Worshipped in a closet. Led home groups. Prayed for the sick. Saw healings. Prophesied. Wept over sin.
Preached from the pulpit. Sang on a stage. Handed out tracts, gone door-to-door, servant evangelism, street evangelism, shoot... phone survey evangelism. Led people to the Lord. Cried and laughed and listened and ignored.
Check. Done that.
Now I just need Jesus. I don't know Him. And I need to know Him. I want Him to come in and rearrange me, change me.
I don't want any of the other stuff... I'm sure it will all work out.
But I need Jesus.
Friday, May 19, 2006
damascus?
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58 comments:
frist?
C'mon Tron. You've got to respond to Jess' bleeding heart with more than frist.
Jess -
It'd be great(?) but kind of boring if there was no ebb and flow to redemption...it's a divine dichotomy that exemplifies the Christian walk. Conviction over condemnation...the joy of the cross. The more you know the less you know, but; (grace).
sorry there was some cheesey garlic tortillas in the oven...alas..they burned.
I was reading about this fellow Gene Edwards, he talked about becoming a servant of serving the Lord. Having succumbed to the god of serving God. Relationship succumbed to religion. I agree with Nate, without the roller coaster, we, as humans, tend to dissapreciate the love and grace of the Lord.
Everytime I drive north on 59 (that is, north from Cleveland), I always see a street named Damascus. (Just north of Livingston, I think). It's a little, insignificant (to us) turn-off that you don't even notice. But I saw it once a couple of years ago...now whenever I drive past it, I think, "There's the Road to Damascus."
And it is signigicant.
Ah yes, the roller coaster of life and Christianity. . . the one that keeps us on our toes, keeps our need for God is front of us, the one that creates the need to pursue God and the need to be pursued. It can be very perplexing at times, but it can also be very lovely.
Mommy-3- If you come around today, I would second Naytron’s comments yesterday about your MP3 question. Creative is a good brand. I played with a friend’s Creative 20GB player and it worked well. I did think the scroll wheel on it was harder to use tham my Dell DJ 20GB. I don’t know what Creative’s 1GB one is like, so I can’t say much about it, but it is a good name. In the end, iPods, DJs, Zens, and most larger MP3 player function basically the same. The three I listed have almost identical interfaces, so you just pay more money for an iPod so you can use iTunes. If you want to purchase music via download, you can do so from many other web sites.
Jess,
I was just reading yesterday's post and I know exactly what everyone was talking about with the Bible seeming lifeless and just words that are difficult to understand. I always believed that if I was going to read the Bible as a Christian, I must understand everything I read. Because I did not understand everything I read I became disheartened.
Then I came across a story that changed my perspective on the Bible. There was once this young man that stayed year round at a summer youth retreat. During the months that the youth were not there, he just sat on the hills and read his Bible. When asked if he unerstood what he read he said, "No" Then when asked why he spent so much time reading something he did not understand, he responded that his leader had told him that it does not matter if you understand everything in the Bible. If every Christian just understood one thing in the Bible and shared it with everyone they come in contact with, the gospel would spread across the world.
It gave me a new perspective and a new liberty to know that I do not have to understand everything I read in the Bible. For the first time in my life I am reading the Bible and not feeling in bondage to it at all.
Can anyone say, “More Babies?”
No, not for us!
Our chiropractor’s wife just had their third last Friday. A boy that weighed 9 lbs, 14 oz!! That’s 8 oz. more than Keith was and this lady is much smaller than Shannon. She was only a couple days late. Baby’s name is Michael John.
The other couple that was in our birthing class had their baby on Tuesday. A boy that weighed 7 lbs, 1 oz. She was a whole week late and still a littler baby. Baby’s name is Kaleb (not sure of middle name).
Lastly, those who know Daniel Sparks. He’s been married for exactly 3 months today and he and Cassie just found out about 2 weeks ago that she is pregnant. They hadn’t “planned” to have kids so quick, but trust that it’s the Lord’s plan. She is due around New Year (they don’t have an official due date). They had moved north of us to Bellingham, WA, but had a hard time finding work. After learning that Cassie is pregnant, they just moved back to Texas to live with Daniel’s mom. I talked to him for almost two hours last night. They’re doing good and he’s finding work.
Jess,
I was just talking to my homegroup about the roller coaster of life, but I prefer to think of it as the mountain of life. Life is not full of ups and downs, it is full of plateaus (resting spots) and climbs (trials and hardships and maturing). It seems that as I get higher on the mountain, the resting spots are becoming more often but also shorter periods of times. But if you look at it as a mountain climb, you are always moving forward.
Back 2 work, check ya later po-tater.
I don't believe there is anything simple about this walk. It seems to me to be a new day and a new challenge every day. What worked one day doesnt work today. It does all come back to faith and trust. It seems to me that it is possible to have a "new" conversion experience. The reason we dont understand it all is because we cant. Not only is it incomprehensible to the human mind, we just are in the dark most of our lives anyway. I wanted to say something trite like if you are reading every day you are recieving something even if you dont think so, but I think Jess is looking for something deeper, but basically arent we all? I mean that is why we keep coming to church, keep praying, keep reading, keep searching, right? To find something deeper than where we are today.
Someone told me on wednesday that they had been struggling and I had nothing to say. So I have plenty to say today. What I should have said then I will say now, that I am dry lots too, you are not alone in your struggle. I did not want to be the center of attention at that time so I didnt tell her that, but I am confessing now that this is not any easy road.
Hi, Lauren
whatcha know? My grandad says that all the time...terms and phrases from times gone past are so fun. I can't really think of any...but they surely are fun.
On a less deep note, you Mac addicts need to check out the
new Apple store in New York. Look at the pictures, very impressive.
Try that again
thats way cool...
psst...who's lauren?
and for that matter...who are you georgia?
the fact that you know it is all gunna work out for the good means you do know Him.
learn from history
ROAR
R epent
O bey
and
R estore
Georgia (jess's sister)
Lauren, cousin to both
I don't know that I've ever met/seen georgia OR lauren...at least I don't konw it if I have!
tron, you should've come to the blog picnic. then you would've met georgia and her whole family.
"Everyday do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow." -- Doug Firebaugh
"Progress, however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step." -- Samuel Smiles
"If you want to sail your ship in a different direction, you must turn one degree at a time." -- Brian Tracy
I am bout to jet
so one more quote:
In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.
John Churton Collins (1848-1908)
Critic and educator
Winning quote of the day:
Big Daddy: "This is some real deep crap flying around in here."
KW- I heard the door and critters. I thought it was kinda nifty.
Naytron.
You have not met me, but I have heard of you. Didnt you have Antonio live with you for awhile, maybe he still does? Antonio knows me.
Josh, Loved the apple store. I am going to have to go there now and see niagara and the new ground zero memorial too.
Hi all - this is my first comment in here, but I couldn't let this post go by. Jess - you really touched my heart with this one. I can't say that I know where you are, but I love you and am praying for you. For what its worth, C.S. Lewis talks about this a little bit in Screwtape Letters - the law of undulation. can't remember which chapter, but it really spoke to me.
But from what I've learned it all comes down to faith & grace ~
checking in...
Count Down for our Trip to Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria
tick
tick
tick
tock
tock
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Seven days and counting!!!
Anyone want to meet us there???
check out the continuing saga of
"How I Became a Crouse"
I have a question for you all...
I have always wondered if it's appropriate to "relate to" one of the three persons of God more than the others? For instance, what if I seem to "relate" more to God the Father or, if you seem to be more familiar or relate more freely to Jesus... and then, what if a friend seems to always pray or converse with the Holy Spirit...
Do you understand my question? I've always wondered about this.
Is this a progressive relationship? Does everyone progress in their relationship with our LORD in the same manner and order? Or do some experience the differing personalities at different times in their walk?
I've never heard this talked about...
Have you?
What do YOU think?
I know that the Lord is One... Three in One... I'm not trying to say He's not...
does anyone understand what I'm asking?
Hello, anyone out there?
Jess,
Has it been a bad diaper day? Why havent you responded to all the well meaning advice sent your way?
Kat,
If you espouse hearsay most of us would probably not know the difference so relax, lie a little, spread some ignorance...
What the heck, its only us in here
I have been having so much fun finally getting on the blog after a tough semester, but Mike sat me down and told me bad news today. He said I have to get one of those... ok everybody whisper... (j.o.b.) things. I knew I was having too much fun.
I have been known to spread a little heresy myself, now and again....
I am fasting the internet.. although I am reading your comments and being VERY edified...
Everybody- I feel your love and your prayers and your get-it-ness.... and I love you too... thanks
G- sorry about the seek employment notice...
and I agree with Josh about the quote of the day
Oh, cool, I forgot you were fasting the internet. So we will hear from you again every morning post and after 21 days I guess.
Yeah, bummer, I have to become a regular member of society. Dang! I knew this was going to happen one day. Why couldnt he wait until I got my masters in two, maybe three, maybe six more years. So impatient.
kat, i'm back... sorry
been updating crouse story
about my questions about my relationship with God... I'm not troubled... just wondering....and mystified... and enamoured (is that the right word) by WHO HE IS.
Honestly speaking, my first knowledge of God was of His Father Heart.... beat beat, beat beat...
I just knew He loved me...and I did not doubt. Of all the times I strayed from Him, I always knew I could come back to Him and that He was there, arms open wide.
Then, I began to learn the soft sweet quiet voice of Holy Spirit...
It was YEARS before I began to come into a relationship (personal relationship) with the person of Jesus. I still am unsure of this relationship. Yes, I KNOW of His place in the trinity, I KNOW of His sacrifice and what He's done for me and I have claimed it by faith. I look forward to the marriage of Christ and His bride. Of ruling and reigning with Him. I sense the wonderfullness of the union one day. But, we have not yet seen Him face to face. Is this why the relationship seems shrouded? Or "veiled".
Okay, just musing and wondering.
hi, jenn!
hope you all don't mind me wondering outloud...
i'm not doubting my relationship with Jesus... just wondering if any others of you have gone through this kind of thing....
GOD IS WONDERFULLY MYSTERIOUS yet He shows us His Love and Gives Freely.
okay, i've said enough...
Georgia - come work with me!!!
My contacts are dried into little cloudy miniature frisbies... and they're STUCK onto my eyes...
Must get zzz's...
Love and hugs to you all....
me
love to you Jenn - have a good day with your little girl...
Thanks, Jennifer, that means alot to me.
who has read the "Return of the Prodigal Son" book about the painting
the father, the older brother, etc
g, u will shine in your career/job
I saw it on your mom's desk last year, and I was just so drawn to the title and the painting and the mix of history. she let me borrow her copy..wow, incredible!
It’s about time Georgia stops being a menace to society and becomes a contributor. This will be good for her other mischievous family members.
Here are some quotes from Christians that I think are applicable to the topic of conversation today:
While faith makes all things possible, it is love that makes all things easy.
They are the true disciples of Christ, not who know most, but who love most.
The difference between duty and love is that the first represents Sinai and the second represents Calvary.
LOL good one, Josh.
Thanks G, but I was hoping for conviction, not laughing.
Kidding = )
Has your son peed on you yet?
He’s five week old and you ask “has my son peed on me yet?”!! At five weeks old the question should be “how many times has your son peed on you?”
He didn’t waste any time, he sprayed my hand in the first week, then peed on my arm and shirt in the second week. I’ve gotten a little a couple other times, but not bad. We lay a wipe over him for a guard, but they just seem to know when you take the guard off. A couple days ago, Shannon gave Keith a bath. She was carrying him around in only a towel wrapped around him. She showed him to me and was like, “ahh, look how cute he is,” just then he started peeing. It got all over the towel, Shannon’s shirt and pants, and the floor. It was rather funny.
He has also pooped on my hand. His diaper was off while I was changing him. He had gas a couple times and I’m going, “woosh, it’s just gas,” but THEN. . . squirt!
such sweet pleasant dreams stories. initiation-type parenting conversations.
inconceivable
how can they become adults so fast
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