Mental Post-Its

Thoughts, Notes, and General Mental Mayhem

Category Archives: Christianity


by Leave a comment

Happy Anniversary

…to me. Wednesday the 13th, I celebrated nine years of living in Georgia. It was a cold, winter’s night in 2001 that Heather and I pulled into her parent’s driveway. I was really excited, and a little scared. It was a new life and I felt out of my element as their subdivision sometimes felt larger than my college.

But I’ve adjusted and adapted, and now feel very at home here. I cannot begin to count the numerous blessings that God has given me me since living here. I am more thankful for this experience than any words could ever express, and I love to use words.

I do think it would be good, however, to note a few of the significant blessings – a highlights reel, if you will – of my time here. Now, I know this list could go on for days but I’m just going to throw a few out here.

1. The Bundys: Bill and Deedee gave me a home and family here in Atlanta. Since I met them 1996, they have welcomed me as one of their own. They even gave me a sister and best friend in Heather…and lots of extended family. I still miss Thanksgiving with them every year.

2. North Atlanta Church of Christ: a place of spiritual development and a safe place to grow. I can’t imagine how different I might be if I hadn’t spent years with these people. They will always have a significant place in my heart. I have so many friends for life from here.

3. The Reynolds Group: really learned to love food in a whole, new way here. I grew significantly as a professional here, too, and began my desire to pursue writing, a true passion. And am thankful to say that I still have great relationships with friends here, even though I have moved on.

4. Trifecta+1: Daron, Mark and I are the Trifecta and Margaret is our plus one. These three have helped me in more ways than they will ever realize. They are continually a source of encouragement, creativity, accountability and love. Through them, God has shown me the direction for my life. I feel a little undeserving of them at times, so I’m thankful they accept me. These people are my heart living outside my chest.

5. The People: Yes, this may sound a like a cheap plug to include “the little people,” but I truly do mean it. I think I could live in any big city and find contentment. And while I adore the art/music/theater/restaurant/entertainment venues, it’s the people here who capture my attention. When I say, “I love Atlanta” (which I’ve said often, by the way), I always mean the people. There are a ton of people I have yet to talk specifically about who are very dear to me. I hope you know who you are because I hope that I tell you enough. If not, I’m sorry and I’ll try and do better. You make this city special to me.

While other ranking honorable mentions may include diabetic sweet tea, my favorite restaurants and four seasons, I think the above will suffice for now. I don’t know if I’ll “settle” down here in Atlanta (or anywhere for that matter), but I’m willing to go wherever God calls me. Just know a part of me will always remain in Hotlanta!


by 2 Comments

2010: Action

I guess, like everyone else, as I welcome the New Year I also think about the previous year and years past. It’s a time of reflection and renewal. And while it’s a little daunting, it’s also a little exciting.

My friends, Daron and Margaret, and I have this sort of annual tradition. It’s something Daron came up with several years ago to help us all set the tone for a new year. Instead of just looking back on a year and determining what happened and where we are now, we look ahead and decide what we want our next year to be about. Much like our Emergence training, it’s not about reacting to something that happens to you along the way. Rather it’s setting out with intention, focusing your efforts on where you feel like God is leading you on your path. I will also say that usually there is a theme song attached. And really, why wouldn’t there be?

So as the New Year approached, I began thinking about my 2010 and what I wanted from it. My word for 2009 was “PREPARE” (theme song was “Prepare Ye The Way” by Caedmon’s Call) and I absolutely see again and again how that was accomplished and how appropriate it was for the past 12 months. I have been through so many changes, personally, professionally, spiritually over the past year, many of which I never saw coming but I’m so thankful to have been a part of.

It’s really insane to think of how different my life is now from where I thought it would be if you’d asked me, or for those of you who did ask me, years ago. I absolutely detest the “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question in interviews but I’m also human, and my mind can’t help but wander to those scenarios. Wowzers! I never would’ve imagined myself where I am now – personally, professionally and spiritually. But then again, that’s the genius and adventure of following Jesus. Sure, there are some things I’d change if it were left up to me. However, overall, I’ve seen and experienced and been through more than I was ever able to imagine. I am loving this ride!

So, I’ve decided that my word for 2010 is “ACTION” (theme song is “Awaken Us” by Casey Darnell). It’s not just a natural transition from my 2009 word, but it does accurately describe where I feel God has my heart currently. He has prepared me, and been faithful in that, so I am choosing to respond. I don’t think I could’ve acted on the things to which He’s calling me without my year of preparation. But I feel empowered, and I’m too curious not to move forward in His plans. I trust Him. He’s not let me down yet, so I have no reason to think He would anytime soon.

I heard a fantastic lesson by Dennis Rouse at Victory World Church this past Sunday morning. If you get the chance, give it a listen at www.victoryatl.com. It was called “Forward” and so many of the things spoke to me. You know, it was one of those lessons that was meant just for me (or you). One of the things that stuck with me was, “You’ve never played it safe before. Why do that now?” That kinda hit me right between the eyes, and I felt like it summed me up pretty well. And though there is a lot of uncertainty when I look ahead, I know I can handle it because He is with me. I just can’t imagine the wreck of a person I’d be otherwise. I would never have made it this far or accomplished anything of importance without Him. I might have made some really interesting achievements by some standards, but I wouldn’t have had the adventure of my life, which is what I’m on now! Sure, it can be really hard. It can be unexpected. It can even be unwanted. But it’s always what is best for me. I can’t always see that at the time, but it’s super cool to look back at the threads of my story and see the intricacy with which they are woven. I wouldn’t give that up.

“When you stop moving forward, you start losing your effectiveness for the Kingdom of God….Forward is your destiny; backward is your slavery.” – Dennis Rouse

So, 2010, you are shiny and new (two things I’m particularly fond of)…and I’m really looking forward to getting to know you better.


by Leave a comment

Emergence Journey 2009 Newsletter – IT’S HERE!

Here’s just a taste of this year’s newsletter….

WHEN IT RAINS…

Emergence Journey 2009

Relationships are like rain. Sometimes they shower you with affection. Sometimes they are a bit scattered. Sometimes they are unexpected. Sometimes they result in rainbows. But no matter the length or the significance, they are an intrinsic part of life. It can really come down to a matter of perspective and circumstance. Relationships can be what you make of them. To quote Roger Miller, “Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” The Emergence Journey team (Patrick Gosnell, Wes Ryan and Kristi Porter) was reminded that relationships, like rain, have the power to refresh, grow, even give life.

 

What is the Emergence Journey?

The Emergence Journey is unconventional in that it starts with no destination or persons in mind; therefore no “preplanning” is necessary. All of the preparation comes in team building and self-awareness exercises. This trip evolves during the journey rather than starting at the destination. The opportunities and relationships that are often overlooked or passed up when schedules are set and destinations are planned are fully experienced here, allowing you to free your mind to the possibilities at hand. A random act of kindness and open heart are the only requirements. We allow the Holy Spirit to fill in the details. Additionally, we operate from loose guidelines to allow the trip to shift as needed. For instance, we travel back roads rather than interstates when possible and avoid eating at chain restaurants, making it easier to meet local people. We also have people pray for us every working hour that we are on the road. And we avoid the radio to utilize time rather than killing it.

 

To read the whole newsletter, visit www.createemergence.org and visit The Journey.

Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/kporter9876/sets/72157621976493846

Video: www.vimeo.com/6414603


by Leave a comment

Say a Little Prayer for Me?

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: PRAYERS NEEDED FOR EMERGENCE JOURNEY 2009!

Because we feel this trip is far bigger than us, we want it bathed in prayer and to include as many people as possible. We would appreciate your participation in that effort. We intend to have at least one person praying for us every working hour that we are gone. So will you commit to praying for the Emergence Journey team? If so, please send me your address/phone, date (Thursday, July 30 – Monday, August 3) and time (7 a.m. – 9 p.m.). Please choose a one hour time slot. This means that you may pray that entire hour, or at just some point during that hour. You are also welcome to choose more than one slot. We’ll take all your prayers we can get! Thanks!

Team members include: Wesley Ryan, Sean Smith, Patrick Gosnell and Kristi Porter

Some of the things you can pray for:

  • each team member by name
  • the team’s protection
  • the unity of the team and ability to work together
  • their ability to love others and want to serve them
  • their abilility to see/hear/feel the Spirit’s guidance
  • the willingness to obey the Spirit’s prompting
  • the wisdom to carry on the lessons they learn beyond the trip
  • that each would be stretched and changed before, during and after the trip

What is the Emergence Journey?

The Emergence Journey (formerly Chaos Mission Trip) is unconventional in that it starts with no destination or persons in mind; therefore no “preplanning” is necessary. All of the preparation comes in team-building and self-awareness exercises. This trip evolves during the journey rather than starting at the destination. The opportunities and relationships that are often overlooked or passed up when schedules are set and destinations are planned are fully experienced here, allowing you to free your mind to the possibilities at hand. A random act of kindness and open heart are the only requirements. We allow the Holy Spirit to fill in the details. Additionally, we operate from loose guidelines to allow the trip to shift as needed. For instance, we travel back roads rather than interstates when possible and avoid eating at chain restaurants, making it easier to meet local people. We also build a Safety Net of Prayer, a list of people who are praying for us every hour that we are on the road. And finally, we avoid turning on the radio and using our cell phones if possible, utilizing time rather than killing it.

Check us out online at www.createemergence.org.


by 1 Comment

Happily Ever After: The Return of the King (Part 3 of 3)

screen-shot-2016-12-10-at-2-28-46-pmHappily Ever After: The Return of the King (Part 3 of 3)

Welcome to part three in my series on lessons I learned from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This is the closer, people. The music is swelling. The breath is baited. The swords are drawn.

Charge!

1. The lighting of the beacons. I’m not sure why I love this scene so much, but I’m always struck by the lighting of the beacons. It’s very powerful imagery. As hard as it is for me, I have to remember that there will be times when I need help. I should never be afraid to ask for help. And on the flip side, I should always be available to help someone else. It’s perfectly normal to be on either side.

2. Stewardship and pride. The steward of Gondor lost sight of his role. He became drunk with the position of power and ignored his actual duty to the throne. It became about him rather than the kingdom. Not a stretch of imagination there to see the correlation. However, as stewards of the things on this earth, we should learn a lesson from him: turn or burn. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

3. We’ll screw up. Bless Frodo’s heart; he sure did a number on Sam. It’s a good thing that Sam was a true friend and stayed loyal even though Frodo told him to get lost. But just like Frodo, we will screw up a friendship or two at some point. There will be ones that will reconcile, and sadly, there will be ones that won’t. It’s crucial to mend the ones that we can, and have a clear conscious on the ones we can’t.

4. People pleasers. Wanting to please people can end up getting you hurt, but it’s really hard not to want to please the people that we respect or from whom we desire attention. For Borimer, it was his father. But it can be just about anyone, for good or bad reasons. However, it is our Heavenly Father that we must be most concerned about. We have already been given His love and attention. This fact can be really hard to remember when it doesn’t physically stare you in the face each day, but it is still true. Out of all the things God has control over in the universe, He desires a relationship with you.

5. Grab your sword. The battle for Middle Earth called on everyone that lived in it to fight. Our entire cast of characters all ended up as part of the war. Merry and Pippin, who joined the group inadvertently and avoided conflict at all cost in the beginning, even volunteered at the end because they caught the vision. They believed in the cause. They saw their place in the story. There is a great battle going on every day. Even though we can’t usually see it, we are part of it. Evil is on the attack. We tend to overlook that, or easily get distracted from it. But Ephesians 6:10-20  clearly outlines the armor we need to be best prepared for war. If you have caught the vision, believe in the cause, and see your place in the story, you have no excuse.

6. Friends forever. Find friends who will stick with you till the end. Support is a strength we cannot afford to overlook. It is what saved Frodo in the end.

7. To quote. In Frodo’s final monologue he laments, “How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on when, in your heart, you begin to understand there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, and have taken hold.” Some experiences will change you forever. There are times that it is hard to accept that things can’t go back to the way they were, the good ol’ days. But the experiences that change us, both positive and negative, still lend to our growth. It’s all in our perspective.

8. The end is near. I know there are loads of people who were bugged by the fact that the movie had multiple endings or went on too long or whatever. But to be fair, Bilbo did tell Frodo, “There’s always room for a little more.” Same goes with life. There are multiple stages in our lives that signify one end and another beginning. Each comes with it’s own set of opportunities and challenges. Will you make the best of it? Will you be open to another adventure? Or will you just become frustrated that the old and familiar is over? There is no adventure in complacency.

9. The King will return! I recently heard Francis Chan say that we should live as if the next breath will be taken in heaven. I know I don’t do this; I get too easily distracted by the details of my life. My focus is often on the wrong things, the temporal things. But this promise is something I need to make a priority in my life. The Good News is that Jesus desperately loves us, redeemed us and will come back!

10. Special features. I’m one of those people that actually enjoys watching the special features, particularly this series. Yep, it does take another week of my time but I feel it’s worth the investment. It deepens my love and appreciation for these movies, the story and the characters. I love to know the work that went into making them, the passion people had for the project, and the admiration people had for the director. It’s a glimpse behind-the-scenes of a great work. To me, it’s the equivalent of watching an artist sketch and paint their masterpiece. The really cool thing with the Bible is that we do get all of those pieces. Follow the 66 books through the timeline of history and you will see the same things: the puzzle pieces, the passion and the admiration. No story, how epic or masterful, can ever match the Bible. The lengths that Creator God will go to in order to connect with us will always be the greatest ever told. And we get to be a part of it!

I could literally come up with ten more from each movie easily, or expand in greater detail, but I guess I’ll stop here. No one is probably reading anyway! Heck, I’ve had a good time, though. But now you can get a glimpse of why I love them so much. They are as rich as they are entertaining. I’ve not written anything earth-shattering, but I hope that I got you thinking nonetheless.

And I won’t lie, after writing these blogs I can’t wait to watch them again! I would also love to hear any that you came up with, so let me know.

PS – Did anyone else notice that Mordor looks a lot like the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle? Glowing green and lots of rocks? Evil henchman walking out of a big black gate? I’m just saying…

 

(Note: Amazon links are affiliate links.)