Maybe Mime?

Memory Lane - The now dis-banded mime troop

What fun to be in the Green Room again last night, re-joining New Hope's drama group, after a number of years away. A completely different crew were present and with a terrific, non-competitive, joyful spirit, seeking God's direction. I loved it. The sushi and pig-in-a-blanket munchies were good too. Looking forward to serving however I can. Maybe even mime.

My reading this morning brought me to:

"Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

And the question, I'm wondering - what is a more "seeker sensitive" issue, tithing or hell? Any thoughts? There have been posts on various Christian blogs about the recent changes at Willow Creek. All very interesting, and what some of us have been saying for awhile, about the necessity of believers being self-feeding. I'm so glad that's being emphasized now.

Dissing

No dissing in this group

As I read my proverbs for the day (Prov. 6:12-15) it certainly seemed to apply to a family member of mine and our recent unpleasant and ongoing dramas:

"Who plots evil with deceit in her heart - she always stirs up dissension."

A person who's going to my parents and 'dissing' everyone else in the family. Maybe that's where the word has its roots - dissension (the noun) = dissing (the verb) speaking bad about in order to discredit, dishonor and cause disapproval, leading, they may hope to disinheritance?

And this was just before heading into town for an appointment with our attorney to see what might be done. Nothing much apparently - it's a human sin problem. Older people, when in a weakened state, both physically and mentally, are something like wounded critters out in the wild. Somehow the vultures are able to sense their vulnerability and to hone in. They can be and, as per the attorney, are frequently taken advantage of by caregivers, family members, even the good old handyman - anyone without a fear of God, and willing to lie to get what they want, whether it is for power or money or both.

However, God is in control and we need to keep on trusting him and remembering that. In the very next verse, I may be insensitive, but it is encouraging:

"Therefore disaster will overtake her in an instant; she will be suddenly destroyed - without remedy."

And, in the next set of verses, we are told that two of the seven things "the Lord hates, that are detestable to him" are:

"A false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers "

(and sisters and grandkids). There we go with the dissing again. God hates it and deals with it. In fact, he has been, so far, in some very amazing ways. When this is all over and done, perhaps I'll blog the full report. Suffice it to say though that he cares and does intervene. Praise God!

The Little Old Man of George St.

Decadent Day

Don't expect any lofty thoughts here.

I have to confess, I had a totally unredeemable, practically sinful, frivolous day yesterday. A chocolates with spirits pairing class/occasion (a class implies learning something semi-useful). Beautiful, tasty chocolates made by local chocolatier, Melanie Boudar of Sweet Paradise. And, wine pairings, courtesy of Volcano Winery, after which we moved on to Ms. Boudar's B&B for other spirit pairings.

My friend and I started off with a light lunch (we split an order) of Cajun Mahimahi, which was excellent, at the Volcano Golf Club Restaurant. Then, met up with our group at Volcano Winery for the fun taste testing of wines and chocolates - it is important to know which go best with which. Oh yeah.

These are Oriental inspired confections with sesame seeds on top, a ginger infusion and hints of chili pepper.

Ok. Enough already. I think you get the picture(s).
One uplifting, thing - God has given us an amazing array of flavors that we can enjoy, combine and experiment with. Thank you Lord!

Anniversary Thoughts

Looks like someone took a bite before I could take a picture.

This weekend we spent in Honolulu, celebrating our 43rd - yes, believe it or not - anniversary. We often go back to the scene of the crime - where we were married, all those years ago. Though island hopping is getting more expensive every year. Maybe next time on the Superferry!

Possibly by then it will be going to the Big Island?? If the environmental protesters (Could they be working in concert with Young Bros. Shipping or Matson Navigation - to prevent competition?) don't again interrupt service and block expansion. With all the ships and barges we have going back and forth between the islands (we are an island community after all, dependent on either air or sea for moving stuff around) for years and years, I still can't believe the stupidity. But, don't get me started on that rant.

I was going to mention bringing along a copy of The Shack, for reading while away. I must say, contrary to expectations and some of the reviews, it was a good read. A rather beautiful and creative meditation on the Trinity, the nature of faith, forgiveness and the love of God. I can see, though, where the controversy comes from. Missing is any mention of Satan (but possibly excusable as not being the subject), of hell or of God's righteous coming judgment on the wicked. Sin was only mentioned as being a punishment in and of itself. Also, the Trinity, in the part of a discussion on authority, speaks of the equality of the three persons. However, Jesus says "...for the Father is greater than I." As well, we are to be submitted to one another, but in obedience to God's authority - a thread repeated throughout Scripture. As, for instance, "He who does not love me will not obey my teaching." So no, it is not a complete treatise on truth, but an insightful devotional, bound to open up your comprehension of who God is - of the possibilities within that mystery. And, like most of us, including some teachers who seem to believe they are, the author is not right in everything he has to say.

This morning, speaking of truth, along with the source, in 2 Kings 18, I was able to infer that the King of Assyria was not doing God's will as he claimed, because the message he delivered to the people of Jerusalem had the clear handwriting of Satan. As it both begins and continues with lies, we can recognize his native language. And, we shouldn't be surprised when our popular culture - including even some of Christianity - doesn't accept the truth. "The Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him."