Spring and Michael Phelps
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Though in the US, we are headed into fall at the moment, in South Africa, we are in the midst of Spring which means Jacaranda trees here in South Africa (the beautiful purple that you see in this photo).
Spring is a yearly reminder that the way things are does not mean it is the way things will be. Resurrection is possible. No matter how long “death” has reigned, life can break through and change EVERYTHING–forever.
I love the picture of “spring” in the story of Michael Phelps that Louie Giglio recently painted during a message at Passion City Church. This story and Louie’s message both inspired and touched me.
I’m including it here for any of you who might want to listen or watch too!
Listen 8/14/16: “Past Forward”
Watch 8/14/16: “Past Forward”
It Smelled Like You…
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I just returned to South Africa recently after taking part in the Gathering, an event I have attended since 1998. The Gathering is a group of friends who invest in the kingdom of Christ all over the world. The richness of relationships, wisdom and knowledge that I have gained over the years from this weekend cannot be quantified. I am blessed each and every year.
During a courtyard breakfast this year, one of my long time Gathering friends came up and enthusiastically asked me if I had been on “such and such” an elevator a few minutes previously. Having no idea what he was talking about, I looked at him as if he had lost his mind, but he continued by saying, “I got on that elevator, and I knew that you had been there because it smelled like you!”
My mom was right (as she so often is) when she told me in high school that I should choose a fragrance and stick with it, as people remember you by your scent.
Perfume aside, that whole interaction with my friend got me me thinking about “the fragrance of Christ.”
What “scent” do I leave–on an elevator…when I’m traveling, bone tired and in one of those pressurized situations (I recently had to apologize to a Hertz woman in one such situation)…at my condo association–a challenge for the last 20 years…
When I walk away, what “scent” remains…do people know, in some way, that Jesus has been there because His “fragrance” still lingers?
I read an article just today where, in the most tragic and horrible situation from any human perspective, there was a group of people who left a STRONG fragrance of Christ. Isis Crucifies 11 Christian Missionaries. A sweet smelling fragrance that wafted to the throne in heaven…
May my fragrance be Him: Let it be Jesus by Christy Nockels
Let it be Jesus…when all is said and done…For me to live is Christ,
,
Introducing En Gedi Blessing
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En Gedi Blessing is about gifts…gifts of rest, renewal, celebration, creativity, intercession, gratefulness, and renewed relationships.
Friends of En Gedi have been blessed with beautiful vacation homes, and their desire is to use these spaces to bless a unique group–ministry leaders and their executive teams.
Loneliness, challenges and exhaustion often accompany a position of leadership….A leader who is refreshed and renewed by the Lord naturally overflows in refreshment and encouragement for others….
En Gedi blessing is intended to be a blessing that flows in all directions. As you spend time in these beautiful spaces, surrounded by the care of the special families who own these homes, our desire is for you to bless them with your priestly intercession–for them, their families, and their places of service, asking for more kingdom fruitfulness in every area of their lives…
Fred Smith’s Blog: In the Bosom of Fools
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I rarely make comments on political matters, as my brother Eric can heartily attest too (and he would also add it is “for good reason.” 🙂 However, Fred Smith, the president of the Gathering, wrote a blog that I believe is worth making note of in this season, both in the US and in South Africa.
This blog is not partisan but more a commentary on our engagement with political and other matters.
It is called The Bosom of Fools.
Fred’s blogs are thought-provoking, interesting and stretching–worth a read. If you would like to sign up to receive them every Thursday, you can do so here, toward the bottom of the page.
For more of Fred Smith’s blogs: read more