Sunday, December 6, 2009

Thank you!!

Thank you, Helen and Susan for a delightful afternoon in your lovely home. Your warm hospitality blessed us and the delicious luncheon was just wonderful. I always leave our meetings feeling so "full"! :-)

So looking forward to having you all here next Sunday!

Have a blessed week!
Paul (& Kathy)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Did you vote yet?

I'd be curious to know what the consensus of this group is concerning best day and time for meeting. Please use the poll on the left and cast your ballot! :-) Your vote is anonymous.

Blessings to all!
Paul

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Speechless!

Thank you for making the trek to New Jersey...our home was so blessed by your presence! We so enjoyed having you here today and I'm still at a loss for words as I continue to bask in the afterglow of His awesome presence coming and ministering in a very powerful way!

Trust you all made it home safely and in good time!

We love you guys so much!
Paul & Kathy

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sunday

Looking forward to being with Him and all of you on Sunday.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Learning community

I want to share something that happened in another community setting that encouraged me and challenged me. In this other context, a couple was feeling confused, disappointed, and at loose ends because of some unmet communication expectations. The leader who was responsible for the interaction couldn't sleep one night and as he prayed God showed him how he had failed in communication with this couple. He got up and at 3:00 a.m. sent a letter which included genuine ownership of failure, apology, and clear, caring, responsible communication of the needed information.

I was filled with such joy as I received the copied emails. I was estatic because I was seeing genuine community in action!!! "It is possible." "It does work."

Note worthy items:
- The couple who was feeling the lack of communication, clearly and honestly presented their questions to the leader. They didn't let it ride. They didn't stuff their frustration or sweep it under the rug of "never question the leader."
- They acknowledged the reality of the validity of their concerns...for the health of not only themselves BUT the community and that part of the Body of Christ.
-The leader was not defensive.
- The leader didn't put the responsibility on the couple for not understanding what he thought he had communicated. He humbly took the responsibility and acknowledged his fault.
- The leader demonstrated that he understood by supplying every detail, and more, that the couple needed for their ability to proceed in the role they were approaching.
- The whole process deeply spoke "community."

I covet this aspect of community. I have so far to go, so much to learn. And you, members-one-of-another-in-the-upper-womb, are the precious ones God has chosen to teach me.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

NEXT Meeting in New Jersey??

Kathy and I are long overdue for hosting a meeting at our home and would like to know if you can make it on November 8. I've posted a poll to determine what time of the day best suits everyone. The prospect of having you here is really exciting...I hope it can work for all of you!

Gleanings from a message on grace by Bill Johnson

You will never believe because you understand. You will understand because you believe.

You will never know the peace that passes understanding until you give up the need to understand.

Your heart can go where your head can't fit.

Monday, October 26, 2009

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BLOG!

I think we'll all agree that we don't meet as often as we'd like and because we are connected to one another in the Spirit, it's important that we 'stay connected'. It's my hope that this BLOG will provide a platform for us to keep the communication going in between our meetings. This is our opportunity to share what's on our hearts, whether prayer requests or praise reports.

Everyone is encouraged to post and share comments as you feel led. It's a blessing to be connected to YOU as a fellow member of the Body of Christ!

Last Night!

I was so blessed and touched by all that transpired last night! Thank you, Nancy, for opening your beautiful home to host this meeting. Thank you Al & Ruth Ann for your spiritual sensitivity in the leadership of this meeting. Thank you, Nancy, Judith and Sandie for sharing so transparently and for giving us all the privilege and blessing of learning of your journey. And thank you, everyone for being the living demonstration of the Body of Christ and for the beautiful way in which ministry took place last night!

I was reminded of a song that I listened to recently, sung by Lindell Cooley but written by David Ruis. It ministered so powerfully to me, and I felt led to share it with you.

LOVER OF MY SOUL

When living here has caused me pain
Things I just don’t understand
I must recount Your faithfulness
And the mercy of Your hand

When everything is said and done
And there’s nothing left to say
The cross of Christ is proof enough
You are good, you are good

Your mercy Lord has pierced my heart
It brings me to my knees
In reverent fear I’ll trust Your ways
And worship at Your feet

When everything is said and done
And there’s nothing left to say
The cross of Christ is proof enough
You are good, You are good

You’re the lover of my soul
You’re the healer of my heart
And I know that You’re standing here oh Lord
We will never, no never be apart

Oh to be a friend of God
How sweet to be a friend of God